New definition could double number of "abusers"
Researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) have developed a new definition of "alcohol use disorders" which they estimate will double the number of diagnoses of alcohol abuse. Considering how low they've set the bar, it shouldn't be too difficult.
For example, according to these researchers, "lifetime alcohol users" include anyone who has had at least 12 drinks in any one-year period.
An estimated 50,000 people participated in the first annual "Alcohol Screening Day" this April sponsored by, you guessed it, NIAAA. We can't say for sure, but the odds are that NIAAA will apply its new definitions of "alcohol use disorders" to the results of this national survey. We'll know in June, when the results of this campaign are announced. Expect the worst.
