Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the self-reported experiences of an adult population living in the community, as they relate to alcohol use and potential negative outcomes (emotional/physical problems, role function problems, drinking and driving, risk behaviors, and alcohol abuse/dependence). Analyses focused on 37,026 individuals that are weighted to the population of 212,686,651 drawn from a large representative cross-sectional survey of the US. population—the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and health (NSDUH). Alcohol use of 1–9 drinks in the past month showed a significant increase in the odds ratios for most of the study outcomes compared to those who did not drink alcohol. As alcohol use increased, the odds ratios for all of the study outcomes linearly increased. Mental health symptoms and illicit drug use in the past year also significantly increased the odds ratios for all of the study outcomes. Hispanic and other race reflected an increased odds ratio for alcohol caused role function problems, when compared to Caucasians. Higher income and education levels increased the odds ratios for drinking and driving. Negative consequences occur at low levels of self-reported monthly alcohol use, when binge and heavy drinking are not present. An increase in alcohol consumption reflects a linear increase in the odds ratios for alcohol related problems. Nursing professionals need to be aware of the importance in educating clients about the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
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