Problem Drinking Among Teens & young adultsFRANCESCA ATKINSON

Drinking amongYoung adults (13-21) & Adults (21-25)

By the time teens reach age 14, nearly 50% report having had at least one alcoholic beverage & more than 20% have been drunk.

20% of the alcohol consumed in the United States is consumed by underage drinkers.

The highest number of binge drinking was among young adults between the ages of 21 to 25 (30.3%) in 2010.

Binge Drinking

On average students who are involved in sororities, fraternities, college sports, and those who engage in other high-risk behaviors are more likely to engage in binge drinking (and other substances).

Students who are involved in community service, arts, or studies are less likely to binge drink.

Drinking rates are much higher among students who are enrolled full-time rather than part-time students.

Alcopops

Fruit flavored beverages containing 5 to 7% alcohol Mike’s hard Lemonade, Bacardi silver, etc

1/3 of teenage girls reported having tried “alcopops”

Popular among young drinkers because of: Sweet taste and disguised taste of alcohol

Packaging and advertisements make these drinks look more like soda or energy drinks.

Girls are more likely to drink “alcopops” than boys

Drinking among college students

In 2010, 1,825 of college students (between the ages of 18 and 24) deaths are due to alcohol related incidents.

25% of students report poor grades, poor performance, missing classes as a result of their drinking.

31% met the criteria for alcohol abuse

6% met the criteria for dependence.

Potential causes for problem drinkingamong teens & young adults

Social construction of drinking norms: Culture

Family

Social learning process: Social groups: Peer pressure

False perceptions

The access to alcohol: Liquor stores and bars near campuses

Alcohol: True Stories

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVQMX4cGyow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaDscXIssIg