Alcohol Dependence is a complex
disease characterized by a persistent and progressive pattern of
abnormally intense alcohol-seeking behavior that, over time, results
in loss of control over drinking, a preoccupation with drinking,
compulsive use, and the development of tolerance and dependence. The
current diagnosis for alcohol dependence or alcoholism is
categorical (3 out of 7 cut point). Recent publications are convincing
that existing criteria can be scaled across a continuum representing
severity of dependence. At best, only one of the four DSM abuse
criteria map to mild dependence and three to severe dependence.
