A latent variable for alcohol outcomes (ALCOUT) incorporated three indicators gathered from a semi-structured questionnaire developed from the valid and reliable Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (SSAGA) instrument (Bucholz et al., 1994; Hesselbrock et al., 1999). Indicators included the maximum number of standard units of drinks (~ 8 g of ethanol) ever consumed in the lifetime, the frequency of drinking ≥ 6 drinks per occasion in the prior six months, and the number of alcohol problems experienced in the prior 12 months. The 17 potential problems incorporated all of the 11 DSM-IV abuse and dependence criteria, along with additional nondiagnostic problems that include blackouts, feelings of guilt regarding drinking, complaints about drinking problems by relatives or friends, and alcohol-related fights (American Psychiatric Association, 1994).
