Retained risk-taking behaviors among past alcohol dependent trauma patients

Annu Proc Assoc Adv Automot Med. 2005:49:295-309.

Abstract

Alcohol dependence has been associated with behavioral risk factors and risk-taking tendencies. We investigated whether past alcohol dependent trauma center patients (n=42) retain the characteristics of current alcohol dependent patients (n=67) or whether they resemble patients without history of alcohol dependence (n=262). We found that past alcohol dependence patients retain some of the risk-taking tendencies (impulsivity and sensation seeking) and risk-taking behaviors (drinking and driving, riding with a drunk driver, binge drinking, speeding for the thrill) common to current alcohol dependent patients and they remain at a higher injury risk than the non alcohol dependent population.

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Alcoholism*
  • Dangerous Behavior*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Maryland
  • Middle Aged
  • Wounds and Injuries*