@article{ref1,
title="Toward an interactionist understanding of heavy drinking",
journal="Pacific sociological review",
year="1978",
author="Brissett, Dennis",
volume="21",
number="1",
pages="3-20",
abstract="Few people would quarrel with the notion that the prevalence of heavy drinking in American society constitutes a serious problem. That approximately 1.5 million people in the USA are classified as &quot;chronic alcoholics&quot; and that about 7.5 million more people drink to the point of significantly interfering with their lives (AMA, 1973) are clear indications that heavy drinking is indeed a social problem of considerable magnitude in this society.This paper presents an interactionist model for understanding heavy drinking. An alternative to the &quot;negative&quot; perspective on heavy drinking is espoused. The meaningful consequences of heavy drinking are examined in the context of (1) identity and self-worth, (2) continuity and periodization, (3) personalization and play, and (4) conventions, interactions, and social solidarity.<p />",
language="en",
issn="0030-8919",
doi="10.2307/1388864",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1388864"
}