Adolescents and alcohol--a review of the recent British research

There is evidence of increased alcohol consumption by young people. This review concentrates on the British epidemiological and psychological studies of adolescent drinking behaviour, with special reference to the cultural and developmental aspects. It is clear that drinking alcohol may be considered a normal part of adolescence and many young people are introduced to it by their parents. However, one area of concern is the amount of drunkenness reported. The way forward is to gain new insights into what drinking means to adolescents and how such meanings are propagated.