Recently several members of the US Congress who have resigned in disgrace (Foley, Ney, Cunningham) appear to blame alcohol for their downfall. There is a support group in Congress for acknowledged alcoholics (most famous participant, Patrick Kennedy). Has there been any research on alcoholism in the US Congress or in politics in general, whether American or in other countries, for recent times or historically? Politicians (and journalists) have a reputation for heavy drinking, but I don't know whether in fact they are more likely to be alcoholics than college professors or dentists or auto mechanics. I define alcoholism as drinking that affects personal or work life adversely.