Alcoholism Say: al-kuh-hol-ism Alcoholism means that someone frequently drinks too much alcohol (such as beer, wine, or liquor) and can't stop. Alcoholic drinks can change the way someone acts. Someone who is drunk might not realize what he or she doing. It can be scary to see someone who has a drinking problem because the person may say or do things that hurt other people. If you think someone close to you might have a problem with alcohol, talk to a grown-up you trust. Back to Articles Related Articles Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.