answer:I believe alcoholism is being an alcoholic. There are signs..like If you drink prior to going out with friends and drinking with them just so you can appear as drunk, you might be an alcoholic. If you have a hard time controlling yourself while drinking, especially in a social situation. For example you are always getting hammered when you go out. Can you goto a bar on a Friday night and simply drink water? Do you binge drink a lot? Overall I think if you have a very increased tolerance, and in some cases physically rely on alcohol, then you could be suffering from alcoholism.