Alcohol consumption patterns and related problems: results of a county survey.

This study describes alcohol use in the general population of San Diego County. A random digit dial telephone survey was utilized to query 1656 adults about their drinking behavior. A quantity and frequency measure of alcohol consumption was used to classify drinking patterns. Alcohol problems were classified by acute problems and chronic problems. Males 18-25 years old reported the highest percentages of heavier drinking. Among females, this age group was also the most likely group to report heavier drinking. Overall, males and heavier drinkers were the most likely groups to report problems. However, lighter and moderate drinkers accounted for equal or greater percentages of each problem. Drinkers in the 18-25 year old age group were the group most likely to report the majority of all problems in both problem categories. Additionally, this group accounted for the majority of the reported acute problems.