Alcohol use and the appearance of alcohol problems among first offender drunk drivers.

Drinking patterns among first offender drunk drivers are described using two quantitative dimensions, drinking frequency (the number of occasions on which alcohol was consumed) and continuation (the probability that the drinker will go on to drink several drinks once one drink has been consumed). The two independent dimensions of drinking patterns are shown to be differentially related to demographic characteristics of the subject population. Further, the patterns of drinking described by the two dimensions predict the appearance of alcohol related problems. It is demonstrated that demographic characteristics of the sample are also related to reports of alcohol problems independent of drinking frequency and continuation.