National Institute Reports on Teen and Young-Adult Drinking

A recent issue of Alcohol Research and Health—a journal published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism—explored the problem of alcohol use by adolescents and young adults. In this issue, experts reviewed the following:

• prevalence of teen and young-adult drinking
• patterns of alcohol use as teens transition to adulthood
• international differences in drinking behaviors
• reasons teens and young adults drink
• negative consequences associated with drinking, including impaired brain development and function, and violence
• prevention and intervention efforts in communities, colleges, and the military

Comments:

These expert reviews underscore the gravity of teen and young-adult drinking and remind us that alcohol use by our young patients deserves our immediate attention.

Richard Saitz, MD, MPH
Rosanne T. Guerriero, MPH

Reference:

Alcohol Research and Health. Focus on Young Adult Drinking. 2004/2005;28(4).