Adolescent alcohol abuse: a review

Adolescent alcohol abuse is an individual and social problem of epidemic proportions. Investigation of the many correlates of this behavior indicates that three are primary: peer pressure, attempts at reaching adult status, and sexuality socialization. The societal support for alcohol use and tolerance of alcohol abuse combine with these three factors to exacerbate the problem. Analyzing each correlate leads to a proposed solution to the problem. It is suggested that the optimal approach is a group-process method that involves adolescents and adults and enables participants to analyze motivation and develop skills necessary for either abstinence or responsible drinking.