Alcohol and drug addiction is now recognized and classified as a disease. It is not a lack of will power, education, or a moral shortcoming. An addict is helpless and needs external support to come out of his or her addiction.

The disease of alcoholism (or addiction to any substance) is primary and progressive. That means the problem lies within the alcoholic and it will get worse with time. The alcoholic develops tolerance and needs more and more drinks to achieve the same high.

Alcoholism also affects the family. The family experiences negative emotions and sometimes begins to display the same behaviour patterns as the alcoholic.

Alcoholism is also fatal. Today, the largest number of road accidents, hospital admissions and divorces are alcohol-related. If not treated, the alcoholic is likely to die prematurely.