VOICE OF THE VICTIMS - THE KEY TO CONSENSUS AND SUPPORT FOR ALCOHOLISM RESEARCH

The US National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reco gnizes two forms of problematic drinking: 'wilful alcohol abuse', a be havioural problem, and 'alcohol dependence', a true medical disorder, which includes a genetic component, that can be scientifically underst ood and medically treated. Current biomedical research has linked spec ific neurotransmitters to certain effects of alcohol that are unique t o alcoholics. An inadequate flow of information between the victims of alcoholism, researchers, and the public has impeded further explorati on of the genetic and neurochemical underpinnings of alcohol dependenc e. This is due in part to continuing misconceptions about alcohol depe ndence, not only among the general public, but within the scientific a nd medical communities as well. Consequently, compared to other diseas es, research in alcohol dependence is proceeding with less urgency des pite its relatively high economic and social costs. Incorporating the input of recovering alcoholics into future research agendas can help t o ensure relevant scientific investigation and the delivery of a more accurate and consistent message to the public with regard to alcoholis m.