Alcohol Dependence (AD) is defined across all versions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and despite changes in criteria, as a disorder characterized by physiological and psychological effects in individuals who consume large amounts of alcohol (American Psychiatric Association, 1968, 1980, 1987, 2000). Individuals “addicted” to alcohol are likely to demonstrate either or all of the following: (1) a strong urge/craving for the drug, (2) an inability to limit the amount of alcohol they consume, and/or (3) a diagnosis of dependence, as defined by the DSM. Despite the many negative implications of alcohol use, AD continues to be a major public health concern in the United States of America. In fact, as of 2010, 131.3 million Americans (~52%) have been reported as current drinkers of alcohol (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2011).
