Most heavy drinkers are not alcoholics, U.S. study finds

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82. Disease of Addiction: An Expanded Overview

The Early, Adaptive Stage of Alcoholism

One of the first symptoms of alcoholism is, ironically and tragically, an ability to increase alcohol intake and still function “normally.” It is ironic because most diseases incur immediate and obvious penalties, not benefits, and result in reduced functioning rather than improvement in functioning. But in the early stages of alcoholism, the alcoholic is not sick, in pain, or visibly abnormal. In fact, the early, adaptive stage of alcoholism appears to be marked by the opposite of disease, for the alcoholic is “blessed” with a supernormal ability to tolerate alcohol and enjoy its euphoric and stimulating effects. This improvement in functioning is tragic because the alcoholic has little or no warning of the deterioration inevitably to follow.

In the early stage, the disease is subtle and difficult to recognize. It is characterized by adaptations in the liver and central nervous system, increased tolerance to alcohol, and improved performance when drinking. >>>

http://www.lakesidemilam.com/alcohol-drug-addiction/under-the-influence/disease-of-addiction-an-expanded-overview/