Although individual measures of alcohol consumption were strong and consistent predictors of negative consequences, country-level variables were also associated with negative consequences over and above individual alcohol consumption. First, controlling for individual level consumption, drinkers generally are at greater risk of negative consequences in countries where the average quantity level is high. For social consequences, this higher rate may be related to exposure to others who have been drinking heavily. Increased risk of personal consequences such as morning drinking may reflect engaging in this behavior because this practice is commonly engaged in by other drinkers in the culture.
