Alcoholism is widely recognized as a disease of compulsive drinking, which can be arrested, but not cured. It is a progressive illness, which will only get worse as long as the person continues to drink. Total abstinence from drinking is the only way to arrest this disease.

Alcoholism affects the entire family; everyone who has contact with the alcoholic is affected. The only person who can stop the alcoholic from drinking is the alcoholic himself or herself.