Drinking experiences in three populations of male drinkers

The first drinking experience has been suggested as an important point in etiological processes associated with alcohol use and abuse. In this study, initial drinking experiences were assessed among populations of alcoholics, problem drinkers, and nonproblem drinkers. Results showed that the alcoholics and problem drinkers more frequently consumed 5 or more drinks during their initial drinking occasion than the nonproblem drinkers. Alcoholics were most likely to experience their second drinking event within several days. In addition, there was a tendency for alcoholics and problem drinkers to describe more negative effects associated with their initial drinking experience. No effects were found for age of first drink or its location. Such differences in first drinking may have implications for understanding the etiology of drinking problems.