Abstract
A method for multidimensional scaling of group differences in categorical data patterns was used to investigate configural relationships among alcohol use and abuse groups. The analysis resulted in a model from which two primary etiologic concepts, plus a moderator, were derived. Exposure is the concept that summarizes demographic factors related to level of alcohol use. However, problem drinking differs from frequent drinking along a dimension in the demographic domain that is independent of the exposure dimension. Duration of frequent alcohol use is a concept that relates to age, duration, and chronicity variables. The relationship between resources and responsibilities appears to be a moderator in the dimension separating frequent and problem drinking. Low income and family responsibilities interact to make frequent alcohol use more likely to be perceived as a problem.
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