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As they left a fraternity party, 93 college-age students were asked to estimate their blood alcohol level (BAL) and to report whether they were legally impaired. They were also asked to report the number of 10-oz cups of beer they had consumed during the party. Actual BALs were tested on a Breathalyzer and the subjects' self-reported number of cups were compared with the cup-by-cup consumption data collected during the party. The results indicated that many subjects were able to report correctly whether they were legally impaired. However, those subjects with higher BALs tended to overestimate their actual BAL while underestimating the number of cups of beer they had consumed. These results are discussed in terms of the ability of individuals to make judgments about their level of impairment. The implications of these results for the prevention of drunken driving are also addressed.

This study assessed the impact of family history of alcoholism and antisocial behavior on problem drinking among male first-time DWI offenders. A sample of 123 men in DWI classes were assessed on demographic factors, antisocial behavior and family history of alcoholism. Also, measures of current and past drinking problems were assessed, including scales of perceived ability to control consumption, degree of physical dependence, occurrence of alcohol-related problems and preoccupation with alcohol. The results indicated that while family history of alcohol and antisocial behavior were not significantly related to quantity/frequency of alcohol consumption or alcohol-related problems, family history was related to drink duration. Main effects of family history and antisocial behavior were found for preoccupation with alcohol and physical dependence. There was a significant interaction with respect to perceived ability to control drinking. Results are discussed with regard to the implication that family history of alcoholism and antisocial behavior may influence the development of important precursors to alcoholism.