According to DSM–IV, a diagnosis of alcohol abuse requires that a person exhibit a maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as demonstrated by at least one of the following: (1) continued use despite a social or interpersonal problem caused or exacerbated by the effects of drinking; (2) recurrent drinking in situations in which alcohol use is physically hazardous; (3) recurrent drinking resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations; or (4) recurrent alcohol-related legal problems. A diagnosis of alcohol dependence requires that a person meet at least three of seven criteria defined for dependence in any 12-month period (see sidebar).
