MODEL RELEASED. Alcoholic man standing in a alley with a can of beer in his hand. Excessive consumption may lead to depression, cirrhosis and cancer of the liver, and alcohol dependence. This is an illness characterised by habitual, compulsive, long term consumption of alcohol and the development of withdrawal symptoms when drinking is suddenly stopped. Physical symptoms related to alcoholism include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, redness and enlarged capillaries in the face. Many alcoholics require detoxification which is followed by long term treatment.