Alcohlism is a chronic disorder characterized by dependence on alcohol, repeated excessive use of alcoholic beverages, the development of withdrawal symptoms on reducing or ceasing intake.
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A very quick assessment to look at is called the CAGE assessment. Ask yourself or your friend these four questions:

have you ever felt you should CUT down on your drinking?
have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?
have you ever felt GUILTY about your drinking?
have you ever drank alcohol in the morning as an EYE opener?

If you answer yes to two or more of these questions I think its important to at least consider that your alcohol intake has become a problem behavior.

*To look at alcoholism from a clinical perspective, we can refer to the DSM-IV. The DSM IV tends to differentiate between substance abuse and dependence, with dependence being more serious. However, abuse can quickly turn into dependence.

Abuse is considered significant impairment in one or more area of the following:
obligations (work, family)
using alcohol when dangerous (driving)
alcohol related legal issues (duis)
continued use despite interpersonal conflicts.

This is from the DSM-IV APA-1994.
Source(s):
http://www.alcoholcostcalculator.org/business/about/dsm.html

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