Occupations, Drinking Patterns and Alcohol?Related Problems: Conclusions from a Follow?up Study

The high rate of alcoholism in certain occupations is discussed and eight ‘risk factors’ are suggested. In order to explore the effects of occupation on drinking patterns and alcohol‐related problems 150 new recruits to a ‘high risk’ industry, alcohol production, were compared with a control group of 150 men newly recruited to ‘low risk’ jobs. Initial data indicated that the former were significantly heavier drinkers with poorer employment records. Follow‐up interviews one year and two‐three years later indicated that current job type was closely associated with alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related problems. It was noted that some ‘problem drinkers’ successfully resolved their difficulties without professional help. Copyright © 1979, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserve