Alcoholism in young men

This study compares the characteristics of groups of younger (age 25 or less) and older men hospitalized for alcoholism in calendar years 1966--1969 and 1970--1971. While the percentage of young alcoholics increased from 28 to 43 between the two time samples, such an increase does not necessarily indicate a higher prevalence of alcoholism amoung young Navy men, although this possibility merits further study. Most young men who drink heavily do not become alcoholic, and many may have underlying character and behavior disorders and poor prognoses. Clear criteria for admission to treatment appear to be especially important for young alcoholics because of this diversity in clinical history and prognosis.