Self-reported intoxication among Hispanics in northern California

Self-reported intoxication among Hispanics in northern California was studied through three independent surveys of the general population conducted between 1977 and 1980 in three counties of the San Francisco Bay area. All of the surveys followed the same sampling plan and only probability techniques were employed. A total of 634 adult respondents who identified themselves as Hispanics served as subjects. In the sample, 20% of the men and 5% of the women reported becoming intoxicated at least once a month, rates twice as high as in the general U.S. population. Consistent with this increased frequency of intoxication, Hispanics also had attitudes toward intoxication more liberal than those found in another study of the California general population. Intoxication was more frequent among the young and among heavier drinkers, and it was also a significant predictor of alcohol-related problems. It is suggested that intoxication be studied carefully because of its association with alcohol-related problems.