The relationship between alcohol dependence and alcohol-related problems in a clinical population

The relationship between alcohol dependence and alcohol-related problems was studied in a group of 103 problem drinkers. Responses to a 46-item Alcohol Problems Questionnaire (APQ) were compared with the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ), alcohol consumption and demographic data. A strongly positive correlation was found between aggregate problems and dependence scores (r = 0.63; p = 0.001) which existed independently of the quantity of alcohol consumed. Analysis of questionnaire subscales revealed that certain problem domains were more closely related to particular aspects of dependence than others. A higher level of problems was found in subjects of younger age and lower socio-economic class. No significant sex differences were found. The implications of these findings are discussed.