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Objectives. We developed a preliminary agent-based simulation model designed to examine agent-environment interactions that support the development and maintenance of drinking behavior at the population level. Methods. The model was defined on a 1-dimensional lattice along which agents might move left or right in single steps at each iteration. Agents could exchange information about their drinking with each other. In the second generation of the model, a 'bar' was added to the lattice to attract drinkers. Results. The model showed that changes in drinking status propagated through the agent population as a function of probabilities of conversion, rates of contact, and contact time. There was a critical speed of population mixing beyond which the conversion rate of susceptible nondrinkers was saturated, and the bar both enhanced and buffered the rate of propagation, changing the model dynamics. Conclusions. The models demonstrate that the basic dynamics underlying social influences on drinking behavior are shaped by contacts between drinkers and focused by characteristics of drinking environments.

Young people consume alcohol almost exclusively in social contexts, but natural drinking group dynamics are poorly understood. Our research focuses on the drivers' role within natural drinking groups. We conducted breath-test surveys of existing groups of young people at the US/Mexico border crossing before they headed to Tijuana bars, and surveyed them again upon their return. Results indicated an individual's perception of other group member's drinking plans predicts drinking intentions to a greater degree for passengers than drivers. Additionally, drivers who anticipated heavy drinking among other group members returned to the United States with BACs nearly identical to drivers who reported that other group members would not drink at all. This suggests drivers were resistant to normative pressures to drink. Evidence that group-dynamic variables may impact drinking behavior underscores the importance of systematic exploration of natural drinking groups. Furthermore, the knowledge gleaned from studying the dynamics and decision making processes of natural drinking groups could be used to design intervention designed to increase designated driver use and to reduce drinking among designated drivers. Keywords: Drunk driving, designated driver, alcohol abuse, group drinking, It is widely acknowledged that young people do most of their drinking within groups of peers (1-3). Although some research has been conducted on groups of drinkers through observation (4-8), [...]

Current heavy drinkers were recruited and comparisons were made between those who were considering or not considering change from a general population random-digit dialing telephone survey. Respondents considering change had more severe alcohol problems and perceived more risk associated with their drinking as compared with those not considering change.

The social context of drinking influences adolescent alcohol problem behaviors more strongly than perceived parental influence and social norms. A combination of social context, parental behaviors, and social norms can instigate problems, such as intoxicated driving, riding with an intoxicated driver, binge drinking, and experiencing negative consequences of drinking. Friends' drinking intensity, and the social context variables including social facilitation, school defiance, and stress control, discriminate high-risk drinkers from nondrinkers. Implications for developing alcohol intervention programs are discussed.