December 2011
Alcohol dependence is a chronic disorder with genetic, psychological and social triggers that often follows a deteriorating and relapsing course. It is a maladaptive pattern of alcohol use that becomes abuse,even in the face of evidence that to continue the actions would cause harm to the drinker or others.(2) Alcohol use, misuse,
abuse and dependence are on a spectrum of progressive severity, describing a compulsive pattern of behaviours and actions secondary to an addiction to alcohol. Without a pharmacological adjunct to behavioural interventions, inical outcome is poor with up to 70% of patients resuming drinking within one year. This is true even in patients partaking in a residential inpatient rehabilitation program, as they have a one-year abstinence rate of 25% at best.
Go Deeper
Explore what other health professionals are learning about alcohol dependence
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Alcoholism Treatment & Management
Alcohol-related diseases are discussed in separate articles. The focus of this article is screening, diagnosis, treatment, and new research findings on the natural history and heritability of alcoholism.
Management of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Problems A Physician’s Manual
Written and edited by physicians, scientists and clinicians, the manual provides the latest clinically relevant findings in an easy-to-use form, along with practical, research-based resources. Practical guidelines are supported by detailed discussions of significant clinical issues.
Treatment and management of alcohol problems
Brief advice from a physician is effective in reducing alcohol consumption, injuries, emergency room visits, hospital days and health care costs in people with alcohol problems.
Patients Have Questions. You Have Answers
Browse and print our collection of patient fact sheets on alcohol dependence
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What Patients Need to Know about Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol Use
It is estimated that about three-quarters of the population drink alcohol. Of this number, about 10% will find that their alcohol consumption leads to serious problems involving their health, work, finances, and relationships with family and friends. When a person uses alcohol despite apparent harm to their health and well-being, it is called alcohol abuse (or dependence), or alcoholism.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Effects
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol effects (FAE) are conditions associated with drinking alcohol during pregnancy. FAS causes a variety of mental, physical, and developmental disabilities in the baby. FAE is a milder form of FAS.
Substance Use Problems
Substance use problems are medical conditions. They are defined as substance use that either interferes with a person's relationships with family and friends; their ability to fulfill work, school, or family obligations; or results in legal problems and dangerous behaviour.
What Patients Need to Know about Alcohol Dependence