Alcohol Dependence

Many people who consume a significant amount of alcohol are not alcoholics so much as alcohol dependent. These are two different things, although an individual that is dependent may progress to being an alcoholic in the future.

As described in the DSM-IV, alcohol dependence is a psychiatric diagnosis. The diagnosis describes any situation in which an individual uses alcohol despite significant areas of dysfunction, evidence of physical dependence, and some hardship. There are 7 total criteria in the description of alcohol dependence. In order to be considered alcohol dependent, a person must meet 3 of the total 7 within a 12 month period.

The first 2 of the 7 criteria are dependent on the physiological dependence of a person. They are tolerance and withdrawal. Criteria 3 and 4 relate to a person’s loss of control of drinking by breaking rules related to drinking rules or laws as well as failed attempts to quit drinking or to cut back on consumption.

The 5th and 6th items reflect the progression of the addiction as more and more time is spent on drinking and the ensuing lifestyle changes. The seventh and final criteria for alcohol dependence is met when a person continues to drink in excessive quantities despite knowing that the habit causes or exacerbates some psychological or physiological problem.

As only three of the seven criteria need to be met for a person to be considered alcohol dependent, not everyone exhibits the same symptoms or behaviors in their dependent state.

Contact a Las Vegas Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Las Vegas, contact a Las Vegas criminal lawyer from William Palmer & Associates, P.C. today at 702-888-2222.