The use of alcohol home delivery services by male problem drinkers: a preliminary report.

Alcohol home delivery services (AHDS) provide convenient and confidential access to alcohol, yet little is known about their use. The purpose of this report is to present preliminary data describing the use of AHDS by problem drinkers. We surveyed 174 males regarding social and demographic characteristics, alcohol use history, and use of AHDS. Use of AHDS was most common among problem drinkers. When statistically controlling for the effects of demographic and social characteristics, regular drinkers without a history of alcohol problems were significantly less likely to have had alcohol delivered than problem drinkers, p = .0036. Contrary to expectation, medically ill alcoholics with advanced and disabling medical complications of heavy drinking were not more likely than other problem drinkers to have alcohol delivered. Living in an urban area and not having a vehicle available were associated with the use of AHDS. The public health and safety considerations of alcohol availability via home delivery are discussed.