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„‚We’re on the cusp of some major advances in how we conceptualize alcoholism,‘ says Dr. Mark Willenbring, director of treatment and recovery research at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The institute is the nation’s leading authority on alcoholism and the major provider of funds for alcohol research. ‚The focus now is on the large group of people who are not yet dependent. But they are at risk for developing dependence.‘ Many of these people need not give up alcohol altogether. The concept of so-called controlled drinking — that people with alcohol-use disorders could simply curb, or control, their drinking — has existed for many years. Evidence now exists that such an approach is possible for some people, although abstinence is still considered necessary for those with the most severe disease. The overall reassessment has been fueled by the groundbreaking National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, the largest and most comprehensive look at alcohol use in America…This survey alone has been enough to convince even national addiction experts that they’ve been too narrow in their approach to alcohol disorders. But the findings are being further bolstered by research in genetics and psychology.“ (Source: Harvard World Health News, 11/19/09) Los Angeles Times, 11/16/09