Aggregate comparisons of self-reported versus nonself-reported drinking in a general population survey.

Insight is gained into the validity of self-reported drinking in the general population by comparing self-reports and nonself-reports on the aggregate level. Married and cohabiting respondents of a general population survey (N = 2,169) were asked about both their own and their spouses' drinking behavior. It was found that on the aggregate level, distribution of "moderate" drinking and usual frequency of drinking is similar between self- and nonself-reports. Self-reported "heavy" drinking, however, is lower than nonself-reported "heavy" drinking among women in general, older women, and women with a lower education. Among men in general and older men in particular, however, self-reported occasional "heavy" drinking was found to be higher. The similar distribution of "moderate" drinking and usual frequency of drinking between self- versus nonself-reports gives reassurance about the validity of self-reported drinking behavior. The discordance in self-reported versus nonself-reported "heavy" drinking, however, raises questions about the validity. Interpretation of the discordance is not conclusive: more research (experimental and qualitative) has to be done to disentangle this issue.

Profiles of heroin addicts in different treatment conditions and in the community.

This article describes profiles of heroin addicts in three types of treatment (methadone, detox and therapeutic community) and those not in treatment in the local community. The profiles are based on data at item-level of the revised Addiction Severity Index. In total, 310 heroin addicts were interviewed. The results show that on the one hand the community group and the methadone group are roughly comparable, and on the other hand the detox and therapeutic community groups have similar characteristics. The latter groups report significantly more psychological and social problems. The community group mentions the fewest problems with drug use and more illegal activities in the past month. The results indicate that large differences exist between the groups in psychosocial problems. Furthermore, they indicate that the methadone group has no specific pattern of problems. Two important groups outside treatment are identified with respect to matching: addicts under 25 years old and addicts with a non-Dutch cultural background.

Social climate on alcohol in Rotterdam, The Netherlands: public opinion on drinking behaviour and alcohol control measures.

Research was undertaken regarding the Dutch climate on alcohol in 1994 and results were compared with earlier findings. It was found that the social climate on alcohol in The Netherlands can be characterized by 'moderation'. Over the years, drinking without problems has become more acceptable (and is even encouraged at times) whereas excessive drinking and consequent problems still meet strong disapproval. Opinions concerning alcohol control measures mirror this attitude. Measures such as the restriction of drinking in public places and raising the age limits are endorsed by the public. However, more people are now against restrictions on the general availability of alcohol. Although drink-driving has decreased over the years, its prevalence is still high, especially among those who are most at risk.

Alcohol use and problem drinking: prevalences in the general Rotterdam population.

Research was done on the distribution of abstinence, excessive drinking, alcohol-related problems, and problem drinking among the general population of Rotterdam, Netherlands in 1994. Prevalences are assessed among the total population and subpopulations defined by sex, age, marital status, educational level, daily activities, and income. A general population survey was conducted among a random sample of 8,000 Dutch inhabitants of Rotterdam in the 16-69 age range. The response rate was 44% (N = 3,537). The majority of the respondents were "light" or "moderate" drinkers. Prevalences of excessive drinking, alcohol-related problems (1 or more), and problem drinking in the total population were 8, 28, and 9%, respectively. It is shown that women tend to report many alcohol-use-related problems considering their relatively low consumption pattern; young men have a high prevalence of problem drinking; being single, being unemployed, and being declared unfit to work are associated with problematic drinking. The results found for socioeconomic status appear to be inconsistent.

Heroin addicts in the community and in treatment compared for severity of problems and need for help.

This article focuses on differences and similarities between heroin addicts in the community and in three types of treatment and a model for help-seeking. Data were collected with the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). Analyses concentrated on severity of problems, concern regarding the problems, and need for help. The results indicate that differences exist across the groups. Psychological and social problems were more frequently reported by addicts applying for inpatient treatment. Occupational, health, and legal problems appeared not to be triggers for seeking professional help.