[Alcohol drinking at the threshold of abuse. When is it really critical?]

The risk of developing a given alcohol-related illness must be considered on an individual basis. In patients with mood and anxiety disorders even moderate amounts of alcohol may lead to psychiatric problems. Comorbid alcohol-related disorders are found to be accumulated in patients with personality disturbances and in those with bipolar affective disorders. The reported favorable effects of moderate consumption of alcohol apply only when cardiovascular risks are present in the absence of other health risks that are aggravated by alcohol use. The concept of the "hazardous use of alcohol" is contained in the current issue of ICD-10. The transition to alcohol-induced disorders is characterized by the criteria for intoxication, injurious use and the dependency syndrome. A need for treatment or preventive measures may, however, be given even when these criteria have not (yet) been met.