Epidemiology of alcoholism

This paper reviews current data on the epidemiology of alcoholism in the United States. The findings from the epidemiologic catchment area study of the National Institute of Mental Health are presented. In addition, a distinction between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence is possible using similarly obtained epidemiologic data from other randomized household studies. The problem of adolescent alcohol use and abuse is reviewed and populations today which are at particular risk for alcoholism are discussed.