This paper uses data from two SDPS generations to evaluate characteristics associated with denial of global ratings of problem drinking in individuals who admitted to specific abuse or dependence criteria. The analyses test five hypotheses: 1) Based on clinical experience and the literature we estimate 30% to 50% of SDPS AUD subjects will not rate themselves as falling into problem drinking categories; 2) The lower the number of AUD criteria endorsed the greater the chance of denying having a general problem with alcohol; 3) The lower the maximum drinks endorsed the greater the probability of denying having a general problem with alcohol; 4) Individuals with alcohol abuse will be more likely than those with alcohol dependence to deny having a general problem with alcohol; and 5) The absence of the four criterion items that related to false negative reports by offspring of their proband father’s AUD (Schuckit et al., in press ) will also relate to that father’s own denial of a general problem with alcohol including D5 (much time involved with alcohol); D6 (decreasing or giving up important activities due to alcohol); D7 (drinking despite physical/psychological problems due to alcohol); and A4 (use despite social/interpersonal alcohol-related problems).
