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The Motivation for Alcohol Reward: Predictors of Progressive-Ratio Intravenous Alcohol Self-Administration in Humans
Published on: April 28, 2022
Problem alcohol use in young Australian adults
Sophie C Reid1, Obioha C Ukoumunne, Carolyn Coffey
1Centre for Adolescent Health, 2 Gatehouse Street, Parkville, Vic. 3052, Australia. sophie.reid@mcri.edu.au
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|April 28, 2007
Summary
Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly binge drinking, is common in young Australian adults. Most risky drinking occurs in individuals without an alcohol use disorder diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant public health concern among young adults.
- Understanding the relationship between drinking patterns and alcohol use disorders is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between excessive alcohol consumption and diagnoses of alcohol abuse or dependence in young adults.
- To differentiate between short-term and long-term risk drinking statuses.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of the Victorian Adolescent Health Cohort Study (n=1943) aged 24-25 years.
- Assessment of short-term risk drinking (daily consumption) and long-term risk drinking (weekly consumption).
- Comparison of drinking risk levels with diagnosed alcohol abuse or dependence criteria.
Main Results:
- 40% of participants engaged in moderate to high-risk drinking for short-term harm.
- 22% were at moderate to high risk for long-term harm due to infrequent but heavy drinking sessions.
- 20% met criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence, but most high-risk drinkers did not have a formal diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Binge drinking patterns (1-2 sessions/week) are prevalent in young Australian adults.
- While alcohol use disorder is linked to higher risk drinking, the majority of risky consumption is by individuals without a diagnosed disorder.
- This highlights a gap in identifying and addressing risky drinking behaviors in young adults who may not meet diagnostic thresholds for alcohol use disorders.
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