Heaviest Drinking Locations and the Most Drunk There Predict the Likelihood of Fighting and Being Assaulted

Abstract

Preference for on-premise drinking affects likelihood of aggression, but how venue affects victimization by other drinkers is less studied. We investigated influence of heavy consumption in specific venues on fighting and assaults by other drinkers in the 2000 U.S. National Alcohol Survey, a representative telephone survey of adults (n = 7,612). In the prior year 4.5% current drinkers were assaulted by drinkers, while < 2% reported fighting while drinking. Logistic regression analyses showed that where one drank most, and usual and peak amounts drunk there, each influenced risks of fighting and (less) being assaulted. For drinking and fighting, heaviest context, usual amount, and difference between usual and peak were all highly significant, but adding age and impulsivity/sensation seeking eliminated effect of venue. Victimization risk curves for maximum were exponential: A peak of 10+ drinks showed odds ratios when at another's home, one's own home, and a bar of 4.5, 5.3 and 10.3, respectively (reference 1–2 home drinks); risk curves were steeper for fighting. Maximum amount consumed dominates the venue in which one drinks the most, once selectivity based on personal characteristics is attended to. We suggest interventions should emphasize ways of addressing overdrinking within a range of settings.