David.  Yes!  (I'm already looking forward to Robin's edifying summary of
the cross-cultural literature.)  The subject of reasons was one of my
enduring interests.  One interesting tidbit is that "reasons for abstinence"
is more frequently a focus of concern than "reasons for drinking" -- anybody
care to venture why?...it's an interesting little fact.  Also, so-called
developing societies appear to be somewhat freer about indicating "to get
drunk" as a reason for drinking than are our norm-ridden, moderationist
developed societies -- another interesting x-cultural puzzle.  I remember
that Walt Clark at the Alcohol Research Group was surprised to find that
there was a great deal of normative similarity across cultures regarding the
drinking norms associated with different social situations.  Reasons is a
fascinating territory.

Ron

-----Original Message-----
From: Alcohol and Drugs History Society [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of David Fahey
Sent: Monday, March 28, 2005 11:06 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: reasons for drinking/drug use

Has there been comparative study of the reasons for drinking/drug use?
Class, sex, race, religion, age, ethnicity, in different countries, at
different times of the day and week, and in different historical
periods? And, of course, different kinds of alcohol and different kinds
of drugs, whether usually licit or illicit?  As I write this post, I
realize how complicated comparisons can be!