MODEL RELEASED. Alcohol addiction. Glass of alcohol, with an abstract image of a woman reflected in the liquid. In her expression, the woman appears to be struggling with her addiction. Alcohol is an addictive substance which acts as a depressant on the nervous system, and so reduces anxiety, tension and inhibitions. Dependency on alcohol (alcoholism) is an illness which leads to withdrawal symptoms when drinking is suddenly stopped. Long term and excessive alcohol consumption may cause irreversible damage to the heart, liver, brain and nervous system.