A comparison of alcohol and drug use patterns of homosexual and heterosexual men: the San Francisco Men's Health Study.

Very high prevalence rates for problem drinking and/or alcoholism have been estimated for homosexual male populations. Populations characterized by high prevalence rates for problematic drug or alcohol use are of special interest since study of such groups may help to provide insights regarding the processes associated with problematic substance use. However, prevalence estimates for problematic substance use within gay male populations have most typically relied on convenience samples and generally contain an over-representation of bar patrons. This study reports data from a large scale random household sample of homosexual and heterosexual men who live in an urban district of San Francisco, California. Few differences were noted in the drinking patterns of these men, although important differences were found in the prevalence of drug use over a 6-month period. Differences in the prevalence of at least weekly drug use were comparatively minor, however. Health policy implications of these findings are discussed.