Epidemiologic studies and control programs in alcoholism. VI. Some issues in epidemiologic surveys of alcoholism.

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Abstract
This report presents a critical review of alcoholism surveys with emphasis on major unsolved problems. Since a single definition has not been universally accepted, the epidemiologist needs to formulate and test a series of definitions, taking into account differences in severity and recency. Planned research on the circumstances in which alcoholism is reversible is also needed. In attempting to translate theoretical formulations into data-collection instruments, questions on difficulties due to drinking have been most commonly used but have yielded unreliable results and under-estimates in cases where validity could be independently checked. Questions on actual drinking behavior and on reasons for changes in drinking appear to be more promising for future surveys.

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