Heterogeneity in early onset alcoholism suggests a third group of alcoholics

Data fi-om 141 Brazilian male alcoholics were investigated with the objecti ve of further exploring the heterogeneity of alcoholism and to replicate pr evious studies. A set of seven variables was studied by different cluster a nalyses to test hypotheses with two, three, and four groups. The results su ggested that the best solution showed three groups of alcoholics, two of th em similar to those previously described and a third relatively similar to type 2, but with lower scores in harm avoidance, more positive impact of li fe events, higher proportion of alcoholic relatives, less frequent use of a ntianxiety drugs, and less delirium tremens. These results reinforced the m odel with three groups and may be useful in the delineation of new etiology and treatment studies. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.