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Associations between adolescent heavy drinking and problem drinking in early adulthood: implications for prevention
1Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden. totto@sofi.su.se
Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
|May 29, 2012
Summary
Heavy episodic drinking (HED) in adolescence is linked to later alcohol problems, but interventions may have limited long-term impact due to changing behaviors. Reducing adolescent HED could decrease adult problem drinking by 11-15%.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent and young adult health
- Substance abuse research
- Longitudinal cohort studies
Background:
- Heavy episodic drinking (HED) during adolescence is a public health concern.
- Understanding the long-term consequences of adolescent HED is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
- Previous research suggests a link between adolescent drinking patterns and adult alcohol-related issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between heavy episodic drinking (HED) in adolescence and hazardous drinking and alcohol problems in early adulthood.
- To determine the potential impact of interventions targeting adolescent HED on reducing problem drinking in young adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study using data from the Young in Norway Longitudinal Study (N = 1,764).
- Assessed heavy episodic drinking (HED) in adolescence (ages 14-17) and hazardous drinking/alcohol problems in early adulthood.
- Calculated odds ratios, relative risks, and population-attributable fractions, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Increased frequency of adolescent HED correlated with a higher risk of problem drinking in early adulthood.
- A significant discontinuity in drinking behaviors was observed between adolescence and early adulthood.
- Eliminating adolescent HED could potentially reduce hazardous drinking by 11% and alcohol problems by 15% in early adulthood.
Conclusions:
- While adolescent HED is associated with later alcohol problems, the discontinuity in drinking behaviors suggests limited long-term effects of interventions.
- Preventive measures targeting adolescent HED may offer some reduction in early adult problem drinking.
- Further research is needed to understand the trajectory of drinking behaviors and optimize intervention strategies.
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