A comparison of substance abuse profiles among problem drinkers, problem smokers, and overeaters.

Abstract

Substance abuse profiles were compared among alcoholics, problem smokers, and overeaters. Fifteen scales were investigated under the rubrics of Motivation, Style (Craving, Loss of Control, and Drug Use) and Effects (Beneficial and Harmful). While all three samples were similar on the Motivation scales, Smokers differed substantially from Alcoholics and Overeaters on the Style scales and in terms of Emotional effects. Smoker were more similar to Alcoholics on perceived beneficial effects, and Alcoholics reported more severe harmful effects. Implications of the results for substance dependency theories and for treatment models were discussed.