The natural history of alcohol abuse: implications for definitions of alcohol use disorders.

摘要: Is the DSM-III-R category of alcohol abuse validly differentiated from dependence, or is primarily a mild, prodromal condition that typically deteriorates into dependence? A 4-year longitudinal epidemiologic study male drinkers provided data to answer this question. The used identical questions at baseline and follow-up. At follow-up, 70% subjects who were initially classified as abusers still remitted. This contrasted significantly with outcome in reported dependence. Although additional research needed, these results indicate often has course distinct