Based on recent findings in individuals with higher educational achievement (Gonçalves et al., 2017) as well as the prediction that High-Risk Drinkers might underreport alcohol problems, Hypothesis 3 proposed that predictors of High-Risk and Problem Drinking Groups would be similar. However, in Table 3 Problem Drinkers had higher SRE scores (lower LRs per drink), higher Sensation Seeking, and were less likely to have an EA heritage. In univariate analyses in Table 2, Problem Drinkers also had higher baseline maximum quantities, drinking frequencies, alcohol problems, illicit drug use, and drug problems. The greater difference between these two groups in COGA versus more white-collar individuals in the Gonçalves et al. study (2017) could reflect moderation of the course of Problem Drinking by higher levels of education and socioeconomic factors in the earlier study (Bucholz et al., 2017; McCutcheon et al., 2014). Even though the outcome and baseline problems were not as severe for High-Risk Drinking participants, it is important to remember high alcohol consumption still carries a greater risk for alcohol-related health problems (e.g., Breslow et al., 2017; Grant et al., 2018; Moore et al., 2007; Praud et al., 2016; Shield et al., 2018).
