| Popis: |
This chapter discusses the predictors of alcohol consumption. Abstaining from alcohol is common in certain cultures because of religious values. In other cultures, abstinence may be based on religious or moral values, abstinent family background, and dislike of the taste, fear of consequences of drinking or low social activity. Early onset of alcohol intake in adolescence may be predicted by externalizing behavior (e.g. sensation seeking, difficult temperament, behavioral under control, conduct problems), parents' child-rearing practices, parents' alcohol use, and friends' alcohol use and smoking. Alcohol consumption is on the average higher among men than women, young than old adults, and single or divorced than married persons. Upper social groups drink more frequently but in smaller amounts than lower groups. However, there is no consistent relation between unemployment and alcohol intake. Alcohol may be consumed because it tastes good or it is expected to increase social bonding, decrease anxiety, and depressive mood or prevent boredom. Excessive consumption can be controlled by will power. Genes control variations in enzyme activity that influences alcohol consumption. At individual level, the risk of alcoholism is increased by positive family history of alcoholism, antisocial behaviors, high trait anxiety, smoking, poor social networks, and alcohol-induced unpleasant symptoms. |
