Alcoholism is a life struggle that many people around the world face every day. What is addiction and how does it affect the body? Although defined in many ways, some believe that addiction is a brain disease that can result in dependence or a continued, compelling need to consume a habit-forming substance despite its harmful consequences and can also be characterized by an escalating craving. to obtain more substance or activity to achieve the same effect. Many changes occur within a body that consumes large doses of alcohol and can sometimes have long-lasting, permanent, or even harmful effects. Numerous research studies on the topic of alcoholism continue to be conducted to benefit society as a whole and to provide help to individuals and families who desperately need it. For appropriate assistance to be developed for those in need of treatment, much remains to be understood about the disease of alcoholism; at its most basic level, the cellular level. This is certainly a daunting task since we are all human beings and have roughly the same physiology. However, due to the subtle but varied differences in the chemistry of each of our bodies, as well as our social environments, this can make the treatment unique. person receives treatment very different from the treatment of another. Therefore, determining the best possible treatments can be a challenge and this is where research plays a very important role. The following article choices draw attention to different types of detailed research and their findings on alcoholism and its effects on the human body. It is this kind of information that allows doctors to find the best possible solution...... middle of paper ......96. American Psychological Association, 1089-2680/10/$12.00. doi:10.1037/a0021526. Kiefer, F. and Mann, K. (2005). New achievements and pharmacotherapeutic approaches in the treatment of alcohol dependence. European Journal of Pharmacology, 526(1-3), 163-171. Schwabe, L., Dickinson, A., & Wolf, O.T. (2011). Stress, habits and drug addiction: a psychoneuroendocrinological perspective. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 19(1), 53-63. American Psychological Association, 1064-1297/11/$12.00. doi: 10.1037/a0022212. Tomberg, C. (2010). Alcohol pathophysiology: Molecular circuits and mechanisms. Journal of Psychophysiology, 24(4), 215-230. doi:10.1027/0269-8803/a000035. Tomberg, C. (2010). Categories of alcohol consumers: definitions and criteria for alcohol dependence. Journal of Psychophysiology, 24(4), 213-214. doi: 10.1027/0269-8803/a000034.