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Problem drinking in adolescence and young adulthood. A follow-up study
Journal of Studies on Alcohol
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Most adolescent and college problem drinkers became non-problem drinkers by young adulthood. However, young men and those with higher risk factors for problem behavior were more likely to continue problem drinking.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Problem drinking in adolescence and college is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding long-term trajectories of problem drinking is crucial for intervention development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term drinking patterns of individuals identified as problem drinkers during adolescence and college.
- To identify predictors of sustained problem drinking into young adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study tracking individuals from adolescence/college (1972-1973) to young adulthood (1979).
- Assessment of problem drinking status, personality, perceived environment, and behavior scores.
Main Results:
- A majority of early problem drinkers transitioned to non-problem drinking by young adulthood.
- Young men were at higher risk than young women for persistent problem drinking.
- Higher scores on personality, perceived-environment, and behavior measures predicted continued problem drinking.
Conclusions:
- Problem drinking during formative years does not always predict adult outcomes.
- Gender and specific psychosocial risk factors are important considerations for predicting sustained problem drinking.