The study found that: from the total sample of 38,313 persons, 11 percent of the sample (n=4,780) were abstainers, 74.3 percent of abstainers were female; abstainers were more likely to be Asian-or African-American, and were more likely to be foreign born; abstainers, both male and female, were less likely to be unemployed; and abstainers were significantly less likely to have exhibit signs of lifetime mood, anxiety, or personality disorder compared to non-abstainers. This study explored the differences in sociodemographic and mental health characteristics among a sample of substance abusers and abstainers, persons with no lifetime use of alcohol and other drugs and non-engagement in antisocial and delinquent behavior. Data for the study were obtained from structured psychiatric interviews conducted between 2001 and 2002 with a nationally representative sample of adults that were administered the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule - DMS-IV version as part of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. The findings from the study indicate that social factors play an important role in the formation of abstaining behavior and that abstainers are comparatively more functional in society and life than non-abstainers. Study limitations are discussed. Tables and references