Multiple epidemiological studies have estimated prevalence rates for alcohol use and related disorders among adults using nation wide samples. For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH; SAMHSA, 2008) indicates that 61.2% of those aged 18 to 25 and 54.1% of adults over 25 are “current drinkers” (i.e., reported drinking at least one alcoholic beverage in the past month). When 18 to 25 year olds are examined by gender, 65.3% of men compared to 57.1% of women reported some current alcohol use. Approximately 60.8% of men and 47.9% of women aged 26 years or older endorsed current drinking. Thus, the gender disparity in drinking rates is considerable in an adult population.
