The nature of alcohol problems: Old concepts and new

Abstract

• 1.

  1. The alcohol field is presently in ideological crisis.

• 2.

  2. Traditional concepts of alcohol problems, most notably the ideas of Alcoholics Anonymous and Jellinek's disease concept, were not empirically based but nevertheless led to societal recognition of alcohol problems as serious health problems.

• 3.

  3. Recent governmental support for alcohol research has generated a substantial body of scientific knowledge, much of which contradicts traditional ideas.

• 4.

  4. Consequently, the field is undergoing a paradigm shift that will have far-reaching practical implications.