What condition is characterized by an addiction to alcohol?

The condition characterized by an addiction to alcohol is known as alcoholism. Alcoholism refers specifically to a chronic disease that includes a strong craving for alcohol, a loss of control over its use, and a physical dependence on it. Individuals with alcoholism often experience withdrawal symptoms when not consuming alcohol, highlighting the compulsive nature of their addiction.

This term is distinct from more general terms like addiction, which can apply to a range of substances beyond alcohol, and substance abuse, which refers to harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. Drug dependency is also a broader term, encompassing dependencies on various drugs, not limited to alcohol alone. Thus, alcoholism specifically captures the essence of the addiction in question, making it the most accurate term for this condition.