Alcohol Addiction: One Entity or Different Entities? A DSM-4-Based Attempt Toward a Geographicization of Alcohol Addiction and Abuse. (22nd May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allamani, Allaman; Voller, Fabio; Bravi, Stefano; Pepe, Pasquale; Biffino, Marco; Buscema, Paolo Massimo; Maurelli, Guido; Massini, Giulia; Einstein, S; Manthey, Jakob; Rehm, Jürgen
• Is Part Of: Alcohol and alcoholism. Volume 57:Number 6(2022)
• Page Start: 687
• Page End: 695
• Publication Date: 2022-05-22
• Subjects: Alcoholism -- Periodicals; 616.861005
• DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agac021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0735-0414

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: To examine whether in Europe perceptions of 'alcoholism' differ in a discrete manner according to geographical area. Method: Secondary analysis of a data set from a European project carried out in 2013–2014 among 1767 patients treated in alcohol addiction units of nine countries/regions across Europe. The experience of all 11 DSM-4 criteria used for diagnosing 'alcohol dependence' and 'alcohol abuse' were assessed in patient interviews. The analysis was performed through Multiple Correspondence Analysis. Results: The symptoms of 'alcohol dependence' and 'alcohol abuse', posited by DSM-IV, were distributed according to three discrete geographical patterns: a macro-area mainly centered on drinking beer and spirit, a culture traditionally oriented toward wine and a mixed intermediate alcoholic beverage situation. Conclusion: These patterns of perception seem to parallel the diverse drinking cultures of Europe.