CHANGES IN DRINKING PROBLEMS AMONG WHITES, BLACKS, AND HISPANICS - 1984-1992

This paper reports changes in drinking problems among Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics between 1984 and 1992. A probability sample including 1, 777 Whites, 1,947 Blacks, and 1,453 Hispanics in the United States adu lt household population was interviewed in 1984. In 1992 a subsample c onsisting of 788 Whites, 723 Blacks, and 703 Hispanics was reinterview ed. Results show a decrease in problem prevalence among Whites, stabil ity among Blacks, and an increase among Hispanics. Problem incidence w as higher among Hispanics than among Whites and Blacks, put problem re mission was higher among Whites. Women had a lower problem incidence b ut a higher problem remission than men, independent of ethnicity. The two best predictors of problem status in 1992 were reporting a problem in 1984 and reporting a high level of consumption in 1984.