As noted at the outset, the most definitive estimates of AUDs in the U.S. population suggest that, in the 10 year period between 1992 and 2002, lifetime rates of AUDs increased by 67%. At face value, if these estimates are valid, it would suggest that there have been major changes in the epidemiology of AUDs that require major public health attention. One of the reasons why these seemingly disparate estimates must be taken seriously is that the NLAES and NESARC surveys where designed to be nationally representative and comparable with respect to the assessment of AUDs and other alcohol-related behaviors.
