Alcohol dependence is a stage of addiction that occurs after years of alcohol abuse. For a person to be considered alcohol-dependent (rather than just an alcohol abuser) they must meet certain criteria:
- Change in tolerance: the person needs to drink more to get the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms: the person may experience hangovers or shakiness
- Tries to stop but cannot
- Preoccupied with drinking, when they can get the next drink
- Continued negative consequences related to drinking
- Continues to drink despite consequences
