Alcohol use in adolescents: the scope of the problem and strategies for intervention

Alcohol use among adolescent athletes is fairly high, but the problem is complex. Young athletes may be more likely to abuse alcohol than their nonathlete peers and more likely to suffer behavioral and psychosocial consequences as a result of drinking. They are also more prone to binge drinking. Education and prevention strategies should focus on behavioral and psychosocial consequences because athletic performance typically does not suffer. A change in behavior is most likely to alert a physician to an alcohol problem, which is best addressed using a direct approach.