Alcohol consumption and alcoholism in an urban population in central Sweden.

A representative selection of 2,283 individuals, 18-65 years old, in "former" Stockholm County, were examined by psychiatrists in 1970-71. The total of non-participants was 12%. The alcohol consumption pattern and the prevalence of the diagnosis alcoholism for the last 12 months are reported. Significantly more men than women confirmed "very high" and "high" consumption, respectively. The diagnosis alcoholism was given to 4.8% men and 1.4% women. Significantly more women in social class I than in II and III, as significantly more men in social class I than in II stated "very high" or "high" consumption. Social consequences of alcohol consumption, in the form of entries in the Penal Register of the National Board of Excise (Kontrollstyrelsens straffregister) for the years 1965-71, were, on the other hand, found significantly more frequently among men in social class III than in social classes I and II.