Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026
05:40
The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
Published on: April 28, 2022
Alcohol use by young people from different ethnic groups: consumption, intoxication and negative consequences
Garry Stillwell1, Annabel Boys, John Marsden
1National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, 4 Windson Walk, London, UK. G.Stillwell@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Ethnicity & Health
|June 30, 2004
Summary
Adolescent alcohol consumption varies by ethnicity. White and Irish youth reported higher rates of excessive drinking and negative consequences compared to Black African and Caribbean youth, though a minority in these groups also experienced problems.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Sociology of Health
Background:
- Alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern among adolescents.
- Ethnic and gender variations in adolescent drinking patterns require investigation.
- Understanding these disparities is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine alcohol consumption patterns in mid-adolescents across different ethnic groups.
- To identify gender-specific differences in adolescent drinking behaviors.
- To explore the prevalence of excessive drinking and its consequences.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with 609 adolescents aged 14-16 years in London.
- Participants represented diverse ethnic backgrounds, including White English, White Irish, Black Caribbean, and Black African.
- Data on alcohol use, intoxication, and negative consequences were collected via researcher-administered structured interviews.
Main Results:
- Black African adolescents showed a lower prevalence of lifetime alcohol use compared to other ethnic groups.
- White English, White Irish, and Black African males reported drinking above recommended levels.
- Higher rates of intoxication and negative drinking-related consequences were observed in White Irish and White English youth.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents of White English or White Irish ethnicity were more likely to engage in excessive drinking and experience negative outcomes.
- A notable proportion of Black African and Black Caribbean adolescents also faced alcohol-related problems.
- Findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive interventions to address adolescent alcohol use across diverse populations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:16Hypothesis Test for Test of Independence
The test of independence is a chi-square-based test used to determine whether two variables or factors are independent or dependent. This hypothesis test is used to examine the independence of the variables. One can construct two qualitative survey questions or experiments based on the variables in a contingency table. The goal is to see if the two variables are unrelated (independent) or related (dependent). The null and alternative hypotheses for this test are:
H0: The two variables (factors)...
H0: The two variables (factors)...
01:27CNS Depressants: Alcohol and Nicotine
Ethanol, a clear colorless alcohol, has been consumed by humans for millennia, but its effects on the body are far from benign. At lower doses, it induces decreased inhibitions and loquaciousness, leading to its social appeal. However, it can cause severe consequences at higher doses, such as coma and respiratory depression, due to its zero-order elimination kinetics. Chronic ethanol abuse wreaks havoc on multiple organ systems, particularly the CNS and the liver. Abrupt cessation of ethanol...
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:28Depressants
Depressant drugs, including alcohol and sedative-hypnotics, diminish central nervous system activity by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity and promotes relaxation. These substances can have various therapeutic uses but also pose significant risks, especially when misused or combined.
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
Alcohol is a common depressant that can induce a sense of relaxation and reduced inhibition at low doses. Contrary to its occasional...
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...