Though the DSM–IV classification was not published until 1994, all of the diagnostic criteria for DSM–IV alcohol abuse and dependence (American Psychiatric Association, 1991) were known prior to NLAES data collection and were incorporated into the AUDADIS–IV (Grant, Harford et al., 1994). Computer algorithms were then designed to create diagnoses of abuse and dependence that were consistent with the final DSM–IV criteria (Grant, Harford et al., 1994). DSM–IV alcohol abuse and dependence are defined as maladaptive patterns of drinking, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. DSM–IV alcohol abuse is manifested by one or more of the abuse symptoms listed in Table 1. Alcohol dependence is defined by meeting three of the seven diagnostic criteria (i.e., tolerance, withdrawal, drinking for larger/longer than intended, unsuccessful attempts to quit or cut down, drinking despite continued physical or psychological problems, give up/cut down on important activities in order to drink, spending large amounts of time using alcohol/getting over the effects of alcohol; see American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Additionally, according to the AUD hierarchical decision rule, a diagnosis of dependence preempts a diagnosis of abuse.
