alcoholism
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alcoholism
A pathological dependence on alcohol, considered an addictive disorder.
Alkoholismus ist eine ernstzunehmende Krankheit, die professionelle Hilfe erfordert.
Alcoholism is a serious illness that requires professional help.
The word ends in '-ismus' (-ism). This ending comes from Greek and is often used in German for doctrines, worldviews, or, as here, for medical conditions and clinical pictures.
Der Suffix -ismus hilft, viele Fachbegriffe zu erkennen.
The suffix -ismus helps identify many technical terms.
'Alkoholismus' (alcoholism) is the official medical term. Using this word emphasizes that it is a recognized illness and not just a bad habit.
In der Therapie lernt er, mit seinem Alkoholismus umzugehen.
In therapy, he is learning to deal with his alcoholism.
Common verbs in this context are 'an Alkoholismus leiden' (to suffer from alcoholism), 'gegen Alkoholismus kämpfen' (to fight against alcoholism), or 'Alkoholismus behandeln' (to treat alcoholism).
Viele Menschen kämpfen jahrelang gegen ihren Alkoholismus.
Many people fight against their alcoholism for years.
dependence / addiction
'die Abhängigkeit' and 'der Alkoholismus' can both have to do with addiction. 'Abhängigkeit', however, is more general: you can be dependent on alcohol, drugs, medication, or also on a behavior. 'Alkoholismus' means only the pathological dependence on alcohol. Learners may therefore confuse the words when the topic is alcohol. In this case, 'Alkoholismus' is more precise, especially when talking about the illness. 'Abhängigkeit' fits better when the type of addiction has not yet been named or when it is not only about alcohol.
Der Alkoholismus seines Vaters belastete die ganze Familie.
His father's alcoholism put a strain on the whole family.
Die Ärztin sprach vorsichtig über seine Abhängigkeit von Schmerzmitteln.
The doctor spoke carefully about his addiction to painkillers.