📚 Definitions

What is Alcoholism? – Signs, Symptoms and Help

Understanding words and concepts around alcohol helps us make better choices and support each other. Here we explain the most important terms in a simple way.

📖 Definitions

Alcohol (ethanol)
Alcohol is the chemical substance ethanol, which is formed by the fermentation of sugar. It is an intoxicating substance that suppresses brain activity and affects coordination, judgement and behaviour. The effect is noticeable even at low doses.
Blood alcohol content (BAC)
BAC (‰) is the concentration of alcohol in the blood. The legal driving limit in Norway is 0.2‰. At 0.5‰ coordination is impaired, and above 3‰ it can be life-threatening. The body breaks down approximately 0.15‰ per hour.
Alcohol dependence
Alcohol dependence (formerly called alcoholism) is a disorder in which the person has lost control over their alcohol intake. Characteristics include a strong urge to drink, withdrawal symptoms without alcohol, tolerance development, and prioritising drinking over other activities.
Alcoholic
A common term for a person with alcohol dependence. In professional contexts, "person with alcohol use disorder" is preferred to avoid stigma. Alcoholism is a disease, not a choice or a weakness.
Tolerance
Increased tolerance means the body needs progressively more alcohol to achieve the same effect. This is a sign that dependence is developing and the body's biochemistry is changing. High tolerance is not a sign of strength – it is a warning sign.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms occur when a dependent person stops drinking. Symptoms can include trembling, anxiety, sweating, nausea and in serious cases seizures. Severe withdrawal requires medical treatment.
Harmful use
Harmful use of alcohol is a pattern in which drinking causes harm – physical, mental or social – but where dependence has not yet fully developed. It is still serious and should be addressed early.
Hangover
A hangover is the unpleasant symptoms the day after excessive alcohol intake: headache, nausea, fatigue and thirst. It is caused by dehydration, blood sugar disturbances, sleep disruption and the detoxification process in the liver.
Alcohol poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency that occurs at very high blood alcohol levels. Symptoms: confusion, vomiting, convulsions, slow/irregular breathing, bluish skin colour, loss of consciousness. Call emergency services immediately!

⚠️ Risk factors

Some people are more vulnerable to developing alcohol problems. That is not shameful – it is biology and circumstances:

🧬 Hereditary factors (genetics)
🧠 Mental health conditions (anxiety, depression)
👥 Social pressure and peer group
💔 Stress, trauma or loss
🎓 Early debut with alcohol
🏠 Growing up with substance abuse at home

💚 Help is available

Alcohol problems are treatable. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Rustelefonen: 08588 – free and anonymous counselling about substance use problems
Your GP: First step towards treatment – speak openly about your consumption
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Self-help groups across the country
Blå Kors: The country's largest private support organisation for substance use

Frequently asked questions about alcoholism

What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism – or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) – is a chronic disease characterised by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over drinking and a negative emotional baseline when not drinking. It is a medical condition, not a moral weakness or character flaw.

What are the signs of alcoholism?

Needing progressively more alcohol to achieve the same effect (tolerance), drinking to cope with stress or negative feelings, neglecting duties and relationships, hiding drinking, and withdrawal symptoms (trembling, sweating, anxiety) when not drinking – are all warning signs that should be taken seriously.

Where can you get help for alcoholism?

Contact your GP as a first step – they can refer you to the right treatment. Blå Kors (blakors.no) is Norway's largest private support organisation for substance use. Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.no) offers self-help groups across the country. Rustelefonen (800 33 400) is free and anonymous – available every day.

Can alcoholism be treated?

Yes, with the right support alcoholism is treatable. Treatment often includes medical detoxification (to manage withdrawal symptoms safely), therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, support groups and in some cases medication. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

How do you talk to someone you think has a drinking problem?

Choose a calm, sober moment for the conversation – never in the middle of a party. Use "I" statements ("I am worried about you") rather than accusations. Focus on specific observations, not labels. Offer support and help getting in touch with professional services – and be patient. Change takes time, but your support means a lot.

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