Concepts of alcohol dependence: the two worlds of research and treatment

Recent changes in DSM-III-R concept of alcohol dependence have brought to light a split in the understanding of this concept between researchers and treatment providers. This has widened the gulf between research and treatment, further hampering communications and the effective application of research findings to treatment. The growth of a literature based on treatment lore which supports an outdated model of dependence adds to the problem. Effective ways to bridge the gap between these two worlds need to be sought. Only then will research advances find application in treatment.