Despite limitations, the GENACIS data on drinking consequences are (to our knowledge) unprecedented, both in the comparability of questions across countries and in the number and diversity of cultures represented. In addition, the multi-level analyses, incorporating both country-level and individual-level measures for different consequences measures from a highly diverse sample of countries, provide a powerful approach to understanding country differences. Overall, the findings suggest that there are large differences among countries in the negative consequences experienced from alcohol consumption. Most country differences appear to be attributable to the drinking pattern of individuals in those countries; however, there is also some evidence that country and drinking culture play a role in the experience of negative consequences from drinking.
