alcohol dependence
in DSM–IV–TR, a pattern of repeated or compulsive use of alcohol despite significant behavioral, physiological, and psychosocial problems; it may also feature cravings, the development of tolerance, and characteristic withdrawal symptoms if use is suspended. The diagnosis is further differentiated from alcohol abuse by the preoccupation with obtaining alcohol or recovering from its effects. Alcohol dependence is sometimes considered to be the equivalent of alcoholism. In DSM–5, it and alcohol abuse have been subsumed into alcohol use disorder and are no longer considered distinct diagnoses. See also substance dependence