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Alcohol dependence: a public health perspective
1The University of Texas School of Public Health, Dallas, TX 75390-9128, USA.
Addiction (Abingdon, England)
|June 27, 2002
Summary
Alcohol dependence affects approximately 6% of men and 2% of women, with risks increasing with consumption. A public health strategy focusing on prevention is recommended to reduce alcohol-related problems.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Alcohol dependence remains a significant public health issue.
- Epidemiological data indicate stable prevalence rates in the general population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiological research on alcohol dependence.
- To propose a public health approach for addressing alcohol dependence.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of general population surveys.
- Estimation of 12-month alcohol dependence rates using DSM criteria.
- Inclusion of community-dwelling individuals aged 18 and older.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of alcohol dependence is stable: ~6% for men, ~2% for women.
- Risk of dependence increases linearly with alcohol consumption.
- Alcohol-dependent individuals account for ~50% of alcohol-related social, legal, and interpersonal problems.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol dependence is prevalent in the community.
- A significant proportion of alcohol-related problems are attributable to dependent individuals.
- A public health approach emphasizing prevention and population-level interventions is necessary.