Anxiety and alcoholism.

The prevalence and the co-occurrence of anxiety disorders and alcoholism in individuals, families, and the general population have been documented in both epidemiologic and clinical investigations. In patients who fulfill the criteria for one of those conditions, clinicians should consider the possibility of the presence of the other disorder--currently, at a previous time, or at some point in the future. A lifetime history of alcohol abuse and anxiety disorders obtained from both the patient and the family members may assist in determining the appropriate treatment.