Do some types of alcoholic beverages lead to more problems for adolescents?

In surveys of alcohol use the alcoholic beverage preferred is sometimes noted but rarely given much attention. What little research exists on how beverage type relates to alcohol problems, delinquency and drug use has produced inconsistent results. This study identifies groups of high school students who drink beer, wine or spirits exclusively as well as those who drink multiple beverage types and examines whether problems are limited to a beverage type or a combination of types.

This study uses data from the 1991 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey. The sampling design employs a stratified (grade by region) single-stage cluster sample of homeroom classes. Students who drank alcohol at least once a month are included (N = 1,557).

Most students (82%) drink a combination of beer, wine and spirits. However, drinker type is not related to alcohol problems, drinking and driving, tobacco use, cannabis use or drug problems, holding constant age, gender and alcohol consumption. Only for heavy drinking and delinquency is there a significant association with drinker type. Exclusive beer and spirits drinkers and drinkers of all three beverages are more likely than the other drinker types to consume five or more drinks on a single occasion and to engage in delinquent behavior.

Drinkers of beer and spirits and all three beverage types are not only heavier drinkers but probably more rebellious and deviant. Wine, if taken exclusively, appears to be the beverage of moderation.