Are you an alcoholic? By: Rochelle Gerszberg Alcohol abuse is a very dangerous condition in that it can cause many problems in a person's life and affect many aspects of their lifestyle. Alcoholism (or alcohol abuse) somehow affects most people's lives at some point in time; through a parent, a sibling, a friend, or even personal encounters. Alcohol abuse, as a medical diagnosis, refers to a pattern of behavior characterized by excessive alcohol consumption. This consumption can occur at regular intervals, regular weekend intervals, or during binges, which are considered as being intoxicated for at least two successive days. Difficulty in stopping, reducing the amount of alcohol use, and impaired social/occupational role functioning are all characteristics of alcohol abuse. To most people alcohol is considered a downer that reduces activity in the nervous system. Some of the things alcohol effects you is, the alcohol intoxicated person exhibits lose muscle tone, loss of fine motor coordination, and often has a staggering "drunken" gait. The eyes may appear somewhat "glossy" and pupils may be slow to respond to stimulus. At high doses pupils may become constricted. At intoxicating doses, alcohol can decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure and respiration rate, and result in decreased reflex and slower reaction times. Skin may be cool to touch but to the user may feel warm or normal, profuse sweating may accompany alcohol use. Loose muscle tone; lose of fine motor coordination, odor of alcohol on the breath, and a staging "drunken" gait. The effects of alcohol intoxication are greatly influenced by individual variations among users. Some users may become intoxicated at a much lower Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level. Alcoholism is a disease that is very serious and complicated. The curing of alcoholism is a difficult process, which requires accepting the presence of the condition, self-realization, and support. As a person begins to achieve control over their drinking problem, by implementing new coping strategies, and increasing a sense of competence and hope, a new phase of life is entered.