To further expand our knowledge on the frightening subject of alcoholism and its corresponding effects on the liver, both researchers and interested onlookers should make sure they fully understand what really means the term alcoholism means. Alcoholism does not have its own section in the DSM-V, however it is considered one of the ten substance-related disorders described in the manual. To be classified as a substance abuse disorder, eleven different criteria must be met. Alcoholism is also further divided into two different severities: addiction and abuse. Directly affected by alcohol ingestion is the body's filter; the liver. The liver not only filters blood from the digestive tract before transmitting it to the rest of the body, but also converts nutrients into substances that our body can use and stores them. Some known vitamins that can be affected by a failing liver include, but are not limited to: vitamins B1, B3, B6 (thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine), folic acid, and vitamin A. Complex processes involving alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and glucogenesis will subsequently be broken down more specifically at the cellular level. Extensive research has indicated that an overabundance of alcohol in the body can decrease the rate of metabolism and chemical detoxification and can negatively affect digestion. With enough alcohol, the liver can fall so far behind in its duties that liver tissue can actually die and completely disable this vital organ. There is, however, the possibility of misdiagnosis. Other diseases such as chronic liver disease, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C have also been linked to liver failure that can mimic the symptoms of alcoholism. The focus of this research paper… half of the paper… http://widelantern.com/2011/11/drug-alcohol-tobacco-use-broken-down-by-raceethinicity/Fenway Health (Fenway Health ) http://www.fenwayhealth.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=5203&news_iv_ctrl=0&abbr=FCHC_Fried, D. G. (2001). Liver: comparative anatomy. Genetics of Alcohol Use Disorders (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)) http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-use -disorders/ genetic disorders related to alcohol useKiefer, DF, Israel, DY, & Martino, DS (2003). Alcoholism. NIAAA Publications (NIAAA Publications) http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/combine/FAQs.htmSeitz, H., & Stickel, F. (2006). Biological chemistry: risk factors and mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis with particular attention to alcohol and oxidative stress. (4th ed., Vol. 387, pp. 349-360).