|  Like she said, they don't have reasons, they just need to drink. They may have problems, but so does everyone. They might use the problems as an excuse to drink, but they would drink even without the problems.
Alcoholism is an addiction. They have no ability to stop it alone. There are many symptoms, the biggest being that they must drink every day. Their personalities are like two different people. There is the sober, functioning person and then there is the other person under the influence of the alcohol. Either way, they aren't the "true person" because even when they are sober, the power of alcohol influences that person's behavior. He/she is trying to function, but needing a drink or is hung over. They might even be sober all day to get through their job, but will drink every evening until they just fall asleep or pass out. Then they might sleep very hard for a few hours, but are then awake in the middle of the night or wee hours of the morning. It isn't unusual for them to call people on the phone or disturb people in the wee hours of the morning. They aren't completely sobered up yet and don't use much common sense and don't consider the fact that contacting people at that time is rude.
There are many other symptoms. If you know an alcoholic, it is nice that you want to help, but you will not be able to help that person until that person recognizes that he/she is an alcoholic and that he/she is powerless over it. Even then, you will be of very little help. You can be supportive and understanding, but you really can't do much else. Learn how not to be an enabler. Learn how not to confront the person while he/she is drunk.
I am sure you have heard of Alcoholics Anonymous. They have a program that helps the alcoholic recover from the addiction. They have support groups for people who are affected by the disease, such as families and friends. There are other groups out there that can help, too.
Generally, an alcoholic won't accept or want help until he/she is down and out, or in trouble. Even then, they won't stop. If you fall in love with an alcoholic, don't fool yourself into thinking that person will change or stop for you. It won't happen. They have to stop for themselves. Even when they stop, it is on a day-to-day basis for the rest of their lives.
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