REASONS FOR DRINKING ALCOHOL - RELATIONSHIPS WITH DSM-IV ALCOHOL DIAGNOSES AND ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION IN A COMMUNITY SAMPLE

The relationship between self-reported reasons for drinking and the DS M-IV alcohol use disorders and alcohol consumption was examined. Parti cipants were 777 heavy drinking community residents (424 men and 353 w omen) who completed the Alcohol Use Disorders and Associated Disabilit ies Interview Schedule (B. F. Grant & D. Hasin, 1992) and a self-repor t assessment battery. Drinking to reduce negative affect was greater a mong drinkers with a current DSM-IV alcohol dependence diagnosis compa red with drinkers with no DSM-IV alcohol use disorder. The DSM-IV alco hol abuse and the no-diagnosis groups did not differ in reasons for dr inking. A positive association was demonstrated between drinking to re duce negative affect and frequency of intoxication. Drinking for enjoy ment was positively associated with the frequency of binge drinking, f requency of intoxication, and average daily ethanol consumption. Howev er, the relationship between drinking for enjoyment and average daily ethanol consumption was stronger among those with no alcohol disorder compared to those with DSM-IV alcohol dependence.