ALCOHOLISM: IS THERE A ROLE FOR PSYCHIATRY?

The contribution of psychiatry to the treatment of alcoholism is discussed in the broad context of currently available data on the epidemiology, natural history and efficacy of treatment of the disorder. The epidemiological evidence does not support a disease concept but, rather, links the disorder to the level of per capita consumption of alcohol in a community. The natural history of alcoholism suggests a substantial spontaneous remission, while treatment programmes are shown to have a limited effect. A model of alcoholism is derived from the data which implies that action which will reduce the per capita consumption of alcohol is likely to be more effective in reducing alcohol-related problems than the setting up of secondary preventative programmes. The profession is urged to consider taking political action by advising government to steadily introduce price control measures on alcoholic liquor.