Citation

Lown EA, Greenfield TK, Rogers JD. Subst. Use Misuse 2007; 42(5): 793-810.

Affiliation

Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA. alown@arg.org

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10826080701202346

PMID

17613945

Abstract

The specific content of reported health harms are explored in relation to heavy episodic drinking and alcohol dependence symptoms. A national telephone computer-assisted interview of U.S. adults (N = 635), was conducted in 1994. A modified National Alcohol Survey instrument assessed self-reported health harms and related economic costs and work missed. Among the 579 lifetime drinkers, 26% reported health harms from drinking. In multivariate logistic regression harms relating to intoxication, injuries or internal organs were associated with monthly heavy drinking (5+ drinks) and past dependence symptoms. Study limitations are noted. Dependence symptoms should be assessed in screening for those most at risk for alcohol-related health harms.

Language: en