Alcoholism: A Diagnosis or Layman’s Term

Often we refer to a person with a drinking problem as ‘alcoholic’ afflicted with ‘alcoholism’. However, these are layman’s terms and are not recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. As a result, ‘alcoholism’ is not a diagnosis found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-IV (DSM-IV). However, the DSM-IV has two diagnoses dealing with alcohol abuse.

1) Alcohol Abuse is described as a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress; as manifested by failure to fulfill major role obligations, entering in physically hazardous situations, related legal problems, and social or interpersonal problems; all occurring within a 12-month period.

2) Alcohol Dependence is described as a maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress; as manifested by increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, loss of control, attempts to control the alcohol intake, preoccupation with alcohol, physical isolation, and physical or psychological problems; all occurring within a 12-month period.

When a person no longer abuses or has a dependence on alcohol, the diagnoses no longer apply. Instead, people have a history of alcohol abuse or dependence.

[DSM-IV, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, ed. 4. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association (AMA). 1994.]