APA Dictionary of Psychology

in DSM–IV–TR, a pattern of repeated or compulsive use of alcohol despite significant behavioral, physiological, and psychosocial problems; it may also feature cravings, the development of tolerance, and characteristic withdrawal symptoms if use is suspended. The diagnosis is further differentiated from alcohol abuse by the preoccupation with obtaining alcohol or recovering from its effects. In DSM–5 and DSM-5-TR, alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse were integrated into alcohol use disorder, with mild, moderate, and severe sub-classifications, and are no longer considered distinct diagnoses. Alcohol dependence is sometimes considered to be the equivalent of the term alcoholism. See also substance dependence.