What is alcohol “craving”?
Although most of us have “craved” something in our lives (alcohol, certain types of food, comfort, sex, etc.), craving means different things to different people. It is likely that craving is not the same as alcohol dependence (“alcoholism”), for many alcohol-dependent people report that they do not always crave alcohol, but that they “need” alcohol most of the time. Scientists thus have a hard time measuring craving, and in many cases would prefer the words “urge” or “strong desire” to describe the constant seeking of a chemical or activity. (January 6, 2003) Wouldn’t getting rid of alcohol in the world reduce alcohol dependence? Probably, except that the brain “dysregulation” related to alcohol dependence would still be present, and might cause the person to use another drug or to express some other compulsive behavior. More research must be done to confirm this suggestion, however. (December 30, 2002) If alcohol dependence is a brain disease, what is wrong with the brain? It appears
