[Events in the lives of 120 chronic alcoholics. Preliminary study]

We have applied, with necessary modifications, life-events methodology, to the study of nature and temporal distribution of life-events occurring in 120 chronic alcoholics. Total number and distribution of life events undergo some variations with age, sex, ethnic group and socio-professional level in chronic alcoholics. We have specially analysed the temporal curve of life events before, during and after the year of beginning alcohol abuse. Frequency of life events dramatically rises during this year and remains abnormally high in the five following years. These data have some meaning for pathogenesis and behavioral consequences of chronic alcoholism.