ABSTRACT
Extensive knowledge concerning the epidemiology of alcoholism has accumulated over the years. In the more intensive field surveys, very high prevalence rates of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence have been found. In a small community with close family bonds excessive drinking and symptoms of alcohol abuse will easily become obvious, as will the disturbances which this causes in family life. Considerable evidence has been adduced for the hypothesis that the prevalence and incidence of alcoholism vary according to the average per capita consumption in the adult population. Despite the fact that the average per capita consumption of alcohol is lower in Iceland than in any other European country, alcohol abuse seems to be as prevalent there as in many other countries. From what has been said it might be supposed that hidden alcohol abuse would by now be unknown in Iceland and practically all abusers registered at some treatment facility.
