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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2005.12.001 Byline: Clara M. Bradizza, R. Lorraine Collins, Paula C. Vincent, Diana L. Falco Keywords: Alcohol; Malt beverage; Alcohol expectancies; Reasons for drinking; Qualitative research Abstract: Young adult men and women (N =53) who regularly consume malt liquor (i.e., 40 oz/week) participated in 10 semi-structured focus groups. Group transcripts were analyzed using a multilevel process that focused on recurring themes across multiple groups. Commonly identified themes encompassed positive and negative qualities of malt liquor as well as contexts in which malt liquor was consumed. Some of the themes were corroborated by quantitative data on drinking behavior and other variables. The focus groups were designed to explore the unique characteristics of malt liquor (low price, high alcohol content, large volume packaging) that enhance consumption patterns and increase risk for excessive alcohol use. The combination of qualitative and quantitative data provides a unique and useful perspective for identifying issues for future research on malt liquor consumption. Author Affiliation: Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, 1021 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA

Relationships among personality and use of licit and illicit substances in a sample of 421 college-aged social drinkers are examined. Results indicated significant relationships between personality and substance use as well as gender differences.

The three domains of situational context, aggression-facilitating characteristics of individuals and the impact of alcohol consumption and its relationship with violence in barroom settings, were studied. The findings of this study are described.

This study investigated improvement in pulmonary function following smoking cessation. It employed three indices of lung function that are sensitive to improvement following smoking cessation and that can be easily assessed within a clinical setting: maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMF), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and forced vital capacity (FVC). Smoking status was verified by saliva thiocyanate analysis. Significant improvement in MMF was evident after 3 months of cessation and was maintained at the 6-month follow-up. This study demonstrates that significant improvement in at least one parameter of lung function occurs within the time span typically used in smoking cessation programs.