Predictors of alcoholism in the Lundby Study. III. Social risk factors for alcoholism.

In 1957 all inhabitants (2,612) in a delimited geographical area, Lundby, were examined by a psychiatrist, and social factors were evaluated for each individual. During the following 15 years 58 men became alcoholics. Among the men who in 1957 were in the age group 0-14 years and belonged to a 'gang', the risk of becoming an alcoholic was 100-fold increased. 'Gang' was also an important factor in the age group 15-24 years. 'Crisis' was an important factor among those over 14, and 'disintegrated environment' in the age group 25-59 years. In the latter age group occupations such as 'entrepreneur', became important as a precipitating factor. 'Married' was the only protective factor found.