A dual-process model of the alcohol-behavior link is presented, synthesizing 2 of the major social-cognitive approaches: expectancy and myopia theories. Substantial evidence has accrued to support both of these models, and recent neurocognitive models of the effects of alcohol on thought and behavior have provided evidence to support both as well.…

Alcoholic beverage consumption among high school students has shifted from beer to liquor. The current longitudinal study examined the effects of beverage-specific alcohol use on drinking behaviors among urban youth. Data included 731 adolescents who participated in Project Northland Chicago and reported consuming alcohol in 7th grade. Logistic…

Asserts that a primary concern to the alcoholic and to those who try to help him is the behavior that causes alcohol dependency. While not disputing the view that alcoholism may be a disease, argues that full responsibility should be assigned to the alcoholic for his behavior. (NB)

Notes that in America, knowledge base concerning alcoholism is concentrated on drinking patterns of Whites, and that Black Americans often differ in their drinking behavior, resulting in a need to clarify issues regarding alcoholism and Blacks. Provides theoretical information useful in better discerning drinking behavior of Blacks. (Author/NB)

Alcoholic beverages have been used throughout American history but their use has always been controversial. Ethyl alcohol is one of the few alcohols man is able to drink, although it is never full strength. The fermentation process is used to manufacture alcoholic beverages. Wines are made from a variety of fruits. Beer is made from yeast and a…

The problem drinking continuum was devised to illustrate different kinds of alcohol-related problems, without implying irreversibility, progression, or the presence of a unitary disease. It is one way of conceptualizing alcohol dependencies that has been fruitful in outpatient counseling, residential care, alcohol education, and training programs.…

This document gives results of research on alcohol use by young Americans from the 1983 National Longitudinal Survey of Labor Market Experience of Youth, a survey of a large, nationally representative sample supplemented by samples of blacks, Hispanics, and economically disadvantaged non-black, non-Hispanic youth and covering the entire range of…

Examined client records to compare 50 subjects admitted to a drinking-driver program and 50 subjects admitted to an outpatient alcohol treatment clinic. Highly significant differences were found between groups on 10 of 12 drinking indices, suggesting that clients referred for alcohol-related traffic offenses represent a population different from…

Independent expectancies were that alcohol enhances social and physical pleasure, enhances sexual performance and experience, increases power and aggression, increases social assertiveness, and reduces tension. More global factors were related to light consumption. Increased expectation of sexual and aggressive behavior was found in heavier…

Using a sample of 98 alcoholics, studied intercorrelations between control-over-drinking ratings made in 10 follow-ups covering the first 18 months after treatment. Control among treated alcoholics was generally inconsistent and only marginally predictable. Recidivism increased up to 9th-month follow-up, then it stablized and seemed to decline…

Interviewed 20 female and 44 male bartenders. Findings indicated that both male and female bartenders are reliable reporters of their own and their customers' drinking behaviors and are aware of causes of problem drinking. Both male and female bartenders were positive about taking courses in alcoholism. (Author/RC)

Assessed the relative influences of sensation-seeking or tension-reduction motives on drinking behavior. Data indicated a strong positive relationship between sensation seeking and alcohol use, whereas the relationship between anxiety and alcohol use was nonsignificant. The importance of sensation-seeking motives to a comprehensive motivational…

Research has consistently shown that among the non-institutionalized elderly, prevalence rates of heavy alcohol use and problem drinking are relatively small in comparison to younger age groups. This study examines how maximum annual alcohol consumption and problem drinking change as a concomitant of the aging process. This study of alcohol-use…

Three matched groups (n=27) of young adult alcohol offenders, non-alcohol offenders and controls were compared on mental health, use of alcohol, and problem drinking. Implications suggest that excessive drinking may be learned and maintained by psychological, physiological, and/or sociological reinforcement(s). (Author)

Examined the long-term outcome of broad-spectrum behavioral treatment for alcoholism and the relative effects of training controlled drinking skills. Showed no significant difference between groups on any dependent measure at the 5-6 year follow-up point. Analyzes the stability of drinking patterns and presents predictors of outcome at 5-6 years.…