Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2025
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Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor Exposure Paired with Two-Bottle Choice to Model Alcohol Use Disorder
Published on: June 23, 2023
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Key Terms and Concepts in Alcohol Use and Problems: A Critical Evaluation
James Morris1, Cassandra L Boness2, Micah Hartwell3
1Department of Psychology, London South Bank University, London, UK.
Substance Use : Research and Treatment
|March 14, 2025
Summary
Understanding alcohol use requires careful attention to language. The terms used, like "alcoholism," can impact public stigma and recovery, necessitating empirical evaluation for effective interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Sociology of Health
- Linguistics
Background:
- Alcohol use is associated with extensive individual and societal harms.
- Understanding and addressing these harms depend heavily on how alcohol-related issues are framed in discourse.
- The language used can influence public perception, policy, and individual recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate common terms and concepts used to describe alcohol use and related constructs.
- To analyze the implications of different linguistic framings in professional and public discourse.
- To inform the selection and evolution of terminology for better alcohol harm reduction strategies.
Main Methods:
- An author-led, empirically informed critical evaluation approach.
- Analysis of discourse surrounding alcohol use and related problems.
- Examination of the contextual implications of key terms and concepts.
Main Results:
- Alcohol-related framing and discourse significantly influence outcomes.
- Key issues include public stigma, public health objectives, and political/commercial interests.
- Certain language, such as the 'alcoholism' model, presents 'mixed blessings' with potential harms and benefits.
Conclusions:
- Careful empirical assessment of terminology is crucial for understanding and addressing alcohol use and problems.
- Recommendations are provided for stakeholders on the use and evolution of alcohol-related language.
- Mindful language choices can mitigate stigma and support public health goals.
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