the disease that affects so many .... what is it?

A dependence on alcohol......alcoholism.

This disease is composed of four symptoms:

Craving  - there is a strong need/compulsion to drink.

Impaired control - unable to limit drinking

Physical dependence - withdrawl symptoms, including nausea, sweating, shaking, anxiety.  This occurs when alcolol is stopped after a period of heavy drinking

Tolerance - need for more alcohol in order to feel the effect.