Alcohol dependence (AD) is a common, complex psychiatric disorder characterized by the excessive and compulsive use of alcohol, which often results in physical and social consequences. The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions estimated the lifetime prevalence of AD in the general American population to be 12.5% and the 12-month prevalence to be 3.8% (Hasin et al., 2007). Thus, AD represents a significant public health problem.
