A comparison of the social context for alcohol consumption of college students and convicted DWI offenders

Abstract

A sample of college students and convicted DWI offenders were surveyed with an anonymous questionnaire in order to determine which social context of alcohol consumption factors discriminated between the offenders and college students. The results revealed that DWI offenders tend to drink in their own home, alone, and to relieve stress; whereas college students are more likely to drink at a party, for the enjoyment of taste, and to get drunk. There were no major differences among various subgroups of college student alcohol abusers. Six measures of alcohol consumption and abuse were taken for the DWI offenders in an attempt to relate them to various social contexts for drinking. These measures revealed that drinking to relieve stress, aches and pains, and to get drunk were common contexts within which alcohol consumption and abuse took place for these offenders. The results are discussed in terms of alcohol abuse at younger age levels (18-20) being probably a form of episodic and recreational activity, while alcohol abuse in older ages (e.g, DWI offenders) is more likely a chronic problem. (Author/TRRL)