Diverging trends in youthful and adult alcohol consumption: a result of preventive programs?

After a long period of rising alcohol consumption in Ontario there was a stabilization in the years 1975-1980 and a slight reduction after 1977. Surveys of alcohol use among adults and students indicate diverging trends. Alcohol consumption stabilized for adults between 1977 and 1983. However, for students there were reductions in the proportions of drinkers, especially frequent drinkers and heavy drinkers. Several changes especially affecting young people are expected to account for the differences. The drinking age was increased in 1979 and alcohol education has been developed and expanded in Ontario schools.