Physical and psychological dependence with tolerance and withdrawal symptoms with inability to control drinking is termed as:-: (A) Alpha alcoholism, (B) Beta alcoholism, (C) Gamma alcoholism, (D) Delta alcoholism
Answer is C. Alcohol dependence has been classified into five types based on the pattern of use (not on the basis of severity): i. Alpha alcoholism: Excessive and inappropriate drinking to relieve physical and/or emotional pain with no loss of control but ability to abstain present. ii. Beta alcoholism: Excessive and inappropriate drinking with physical complications (e.g. gastritis, cirrhosis) due to cultural drinking and poor nutrition but there is no dependence. iii. Gamma (malignant) alcoholism: Physical and psychological dependence with tolerance and withdrawal symptoms with inability to control drinking. iv. Delta alcoholism: Inability to abstain, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, amount of alcohol consumed can be controlled and social disruption is minimal. v. Epsilon alcoholism: Dipsomania and spree-drinking.