Alcohol consumption can lead to addiction. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) [2], alcohol addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using. The NIAAA [2] states that alcohol addiction is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors, and that the risk of addiction increases with the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [3] reports that excessive alcohol use can lead to alcohol dependence, which is a severe form of alcohol addiction. Alcohol dependence is characterized by a strong craving for alcohol, difficulty controlling alcohol use, and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. The CDC [3] also states that alcohol dependence can lead to serious health problems, including liver disease, cancer, and heart disease.
Drug Patent Watch [1] lists alcohol as a drug that can cause addiction. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], alcohol addiction is caused by changes in the brain that occur with repeated alcohol use. These changes can lead to a tolerance for alcohol, meaning that more alcohol is needed to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped.
In conclusion, the sources provided confirm that alcohol consumption can lead to addiction. Alcohol addiction is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using. The risk of addiction increases with the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed, and alcohol addiction can lead to serious health problems.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/ALCOHOL
[2] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/cycle-alcohol-addiction
[3] https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm