In the UK the NHS estimates that around 9% of men and 4% of UK women show signs of alcohol dependence. History
The term alcohol dependence has replaced alcoholism as a term in order that individuals do not internalize the idea of cure and disease, but can approach alcohol as a chemical they may depend upon to cope with outside pressures. The contemporary definition of alcohol dependence is still based upon early research. There has been considerable scientific effort over the past several decades to identify and understand the core features of alcohol dependence. This work began in 1976, when the British psychiatrist Griffith Edwards and his American colleague Milton M. Gross  collaborated to produce a formulation of what had previously been understood as alcoholism – the alcohol dependence syndrome. The alcohol dependence syndrome was seen as a cluster of seven elements that concur. It was argued that not all elements may be present in every case, but the picture is sufficiently regular and coherent to permit clinical recognition. The syndrome was also considered to exist in degrees of severity rather than as a categorical absolute. Thus, the proper question is not whether a person is dependent on alcohol, but how far along the path of dependence has a person progressed. See also
Alcohol intoxication
Alcoholic drink
Alcohol-related dementia
CRAFFT Screening Test
Disulfiram-like drug
High-functioning alcoholic
Long-term effects of alcohol consumption
Paddington alcohol test

Notes
External links

Arnold Little, MD Alcohol Dependence – extensive article
SADD – Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire. A brief, self-administered questionnaire sometimes utilised in individual or group treatments.
Histopathology shows dense connective tissue, fibroblasts and many blood vessels. Treatment
Generally, reassurance is given and no treatment is needed. Laser or cryotherapy may be considered for men who find PPPs distressing to look at or feel excessive embarrassment.Carbon dioxide laser generally has good outcomes with skin healing within seven days. The procedure requires anaesthesia, may need to be performed more than once, and has a risk of bleeding, scarring and colour changes. Another procedure involves a hyfrecator. Epidemiology
PPPs are common and occur in 14% to 48% of young males. They are more common in uncircumcised  males. Social and cultural
Some men find PPPs distressing to look at, owing to their resemblance to some sexually transmitted infections. Although it is not related to any disease, PPPs are occasionally mistaken for HPV warts. There are also home remedies for "curing" it, despite the fact that the papules are neither infectious nor detrimental to ones health and may have beneficial functions. Some of the "home remedies" found on the Internet and elsewhere use mild ointments or creams to soften the papules, but others are physically dangerous techniques for papule removal which can result in permanent genital mutilation.Rapini et al. advise that, since dermatologists have safe, effective ways to remove the papules if desired, home remedies involving corrosive substances or self-surgery should be avoided, since they can permanently damage sexual functioning. Rapini et al. further state that removal should only be performed by a physician using proven medical techniques. References


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