NCJ Number
160633
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Alcoholism was officially designated as a disease in the mid-1970's; although researchers since have learned much about the biological, psychological, and social factors that affect alcoholism, its designation as a disease is still the most appropriate way to define the condition.
Abstract
To establish a more precise use of the term "alcoholism," the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and the American Society of Addiction Medicine created a Joint Committee to Study the Definition and Criteria for the Diagnosis of Alcoholism. This 23-member multidisciplinary group (scientists, physicians, and lay leaders) formulated a revised definition of alcoholism that the group hoped would be scientifically valid, clinically useful, and understandable by the general public. The revised definition of alcoholism more closely approximates that of alcohol dependence as outlined in DSM-III-R and the proposed 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Although the term "alcoholism" has been used over the years as a vague, poorly understood, and sometimes morally flavored term, it is not necessary nor desirable to discard it. Rather, its meaning should be clarified with updated concepts and terminology, so that its usage will be more meaningful. The revised definition of "alcoholism" states that it is a "primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial. Each of these symptoms may be continuous or periodic." This paper explains the various terms in this definition.