We computed the symptom count (SC) using the seven lifetime diagnostic criteria for DSM-IV alcohol dependence (AD). This measure, with a value ranging from 0 to 7, was available on all individuals with an adolescent or adult SSAGA who had reported ever consuming alcohol. When longitudinal data were available, we used the maximum number of symptoms endorsed at any interview. Individuals who were younger than 15 years at the most recent interview were excluded from the analysis because SC in this population is likely to be non-representative of adult cohorts. Of the 2010 subjects =15yr who drank, 622 did not report any of the 7 symptoms of AD, and 765 had 3 or more such symptoms. The distribution of SC is shown in Figure 1.
