The Prevalence of Alcoholism and Feelings of Alienation in Lesbian and Heterosexual Women

Abstract

Although only a handful of studies have examined alcoholism among lesbians, high rates of alcoholism among lesbians are often reported. This study investigated the prevalence of alcoholism and its relation to feelings of alienation in samples of lesbian and heterosexual women. It was hypothesized that alienation would correlate with alcoholism. The sample consisted of 87 lesbian and 89 heterosexual women obtained from women's groups. Questionnaires included the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test, the Dean Alienation Scale, and the Kinsey Rating Scale. Significant differences were found between lesbian and heterosexual women on alcoholism and on the Powerless-ness subscale of the Dean. Alienation did not correlate with alcoholism in the lesbian sample.

Key Words:

• Alcoholism
• lesbian
• alienation
• powerlessness
• Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test
• Dean Alienation Scale