A SURVEY OF DRINKING BEHAVIORS OF CANADIAN CORRECTIONAL-OFFICERS

77 correctional officers from two Canadian medium security penitentiar ies were surveyed concerning their use of alcohol. 94% reported drinki ng at least once during the preceding year. 45 men consumed alcohol mo re frequently than the 29 women, more often felt obligated to drink at social gatherings, and were more likely to believe that drinkers do n ot suffer health problems related to their drinking. Although other st udies have indicated correctional officers have special problems with drinking, more similarities with the general population than differenc es were found in the present drinking patterns.