Factors associated with untreated remissions from alcohol abuse or dependence

This paper describes an epidemiologic-based sample of individuals who remit ted from alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence, both with and without treatme nt. to abstinence or moderate drinking. Inspection of the severity, onset, and duration of alcohol problems experienced by these individuals suggests that there may be two primary categories pf drinkers with distinct pathways to remission. The first is a population of individuals who experience sign ificant problems for an extended period of time who then resolve to abstine nce through the use of treatment services. The second is a population of in dividuals who drink heavily at some point in their lives, experience some p roblems, and then "mature out" of this stage in their life as they age and take on other life roles. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.