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Alcohol-related problems and dependence: an elaboration and integration
The International Journal of the Addictions
|April 1, 1986
Summary
This study integrates definitions of alcoholism, finding significant correlations between alcohol dependence symptoms and related psychosocial problems in 420 inpatients. Key factors identified include physiological dependence, behavioral control issues, and economic/legal consequences.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Alcoholism definitions vary between the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-III and the World Health Organization's alcohol dependence syndrome.
- A clear, integrated understanding of the behavioral domains of alcoholism is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To specify and integrate the behavioral domains of alcoholism as defined by the DSM-III and WHO.
- To explore the relationships between alcohol dependence and its psychosocial consequences.
Main Methods:
- Developed self-report measures for DSM-III alcohol-related psychosocial problems.
- Utilized four scales to assess physiological features of alcohol dependence.
- Conducted a factor analysis on data from 420 inpatient alcoholics.
Main Results:
- Instruments demonstrated adequate psychometric properties.
- Alcohol dependence and psychosocial consequences were substantially correlated.
- Factor analysis revealed three correlated factors: physiological dependence (withdrawal, obsessive drinking, health issues), behavioral control/family/social problems, and economic/job problems. Legal problems emerged as a fourth, independent factor.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully integrated behavioral domains of alcoholism, supporting substantial correlations between dependence and psychosocial issues.
- A multifactorial model of alcoholism is supported, encompassing physiological, behavioral, economic, and legal dimensions.
- Findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of alcoholism for diagnostic and treatment purposes.