NCJ Number
160827
Date Published
1990
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This review highlights some of the problems and logistics of carrying out surveys of alcohol use and misuse in different cultural and social contexts, using the example of the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics).
Abstract
The USSR, with about 280 million people, contains large regions that vary substantially from each other in relation to their geographical, ethnic, economic, cultural, and genetic characteristics. These regions encompass a wide variety of drinking styles that involve different types of alcoholic beverages. Consequently, the USSR provides a useful model for methods that produce dependable comparative evidence about alcohol-related problems. This discussion addresses the definition of alcohol dependence, classifications of alcohol dependence, identification of problem drinkers, and the conduct of comparative studies. Based on this analysis, the chapter suggests ways of improving the comparability of data related to alcohol use and misuse in different settings. These include the elaboration and adoption of a single set of definitions of alcohol and drug dependence and of allied concepts such as "remission." In addition, the acceptance of uniform methods of assessing treatment outcomes would be a major asset to future comparisons of therapeutic effectiveness. A set of generally acceptable minimum criteria for research and clinical practice is required to guide future comparative studies. Future data collection should be organized in accordance with these criteria. In addition, information collected on this basis should be accessible by right to all legitimate specialist researchers and clinicians. 25 references