An evaluation of primary alcoholics with histories of violence.

Histories of violence were assessed in 275 consecutive male primary alcoholics who were interviewed and followed up 1 year later. After excluding individuals with primary antisocial personalities or primary drug abuse, 80 of these men were found to have histories of violence. Compared to the remaining subjects, this group was significantly younger and demonstrated significantly more social problems with school, home, and police both as adolescents and adults; these subjects were significantly more likely to have used drugs other than alcohol. The 12-month follow-up revealed a continued higher percentage of drinking among those with histories of violence as well as a greater risk for alcohol-related problems and some patterns of drug misuse. A history of prior violence may be a factor of prognostic importance in the treatment of primary alcoholism.