The moderate correspondence of the empirical continuum with Jellinek’s model in terms of the sequence of developmental indicators does suggest some continuity over time and across measurement and modeling methods, and is furthermore consistent with Jellinek’s notion that alcohol problems tend to occur in a developmental sequence. Specification of the kinds of problems experienced by drinkers may thus be important in predicting problems that will likely occur in the near future. For example, the current data suggest that self-doubting cognitions (e.g., remorse, inability to rationalize drinking habits, and guilt) may be harbingers of a worsening progression, whereas severe psychiatric symptoms (e.g., psychosis, sensory deficits, and fearfulness) are more likely to signal profound alcoholism. The articulation of this sequence across several research groups also provides a potential basis for computer adaptive testing of alcohol symptoms, which has the potential to economize the assessment of the various indicators of alcohol use disorder.
