Changes in American drinking patterns and problems, 1967-1984.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Substance Abuse Research

Background:

• Drinking practices and problems are key indicators of societal health and behavior.
• Understanding trends in alcohol consumption is crucial for public health policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare general population drinking practices and problems in the United States between 1967 and 1984.
• To identify shifts in beverage preference, consumption patterns, and the prevalence of drinking-related problems over time.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from two general population surveys conducted in 1967 and 1984.
• Employed identically worded survey items to ensure comparability of drinking practices and problem reporting.

Main Results:

• Significant shifts in beverage preference were observed, with increased consumption of wine and beer, and decreased consumption of distilled spirits.
• Overall volume of drinks consumed remained stable, but a slight increase in male abstainers was noted.
• While overall drinking problems showed little change, a rise in reported dependence problems was identified.

Conclusions:

• Beverage preference in the U.S. population evolved between 1967 and 1984, impacting consumption profiles.
• The increase in specific dependence problems warrants further investigation into the nuances of alcohol-related issues.
• Findings offer insights into the single distribution theory of alcohol consumption.