Research & Resources

This study examined how the frequency of drinking in different contexts, and the amount of alcohol consumed in these contexts, might be related to alcohol-related problems among adolescent drinkers. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey with 377 adolescents (13–18 years old) who reported past 6-month alcohol use, sampled from California households. Drinking more frequently in outdoor venues was associated with a greater number of alcohol-related problems. Drinking frequently in others’ homes and in fraternities or sororities was positively associated with a greater number of physical problems. Drinking frequently in outdoor venues and in others’ homes was associated with a greater number of personal problems. Finally, drinking more frequently in outdoor venues was associated with a greater number of social problems and driving under the influence or riding with a drunk driver. Results suggest the importance of considering drinking contexts independent of drinking severity. The findings can be used to inform prevention interventions targeting alcohol use risks in specific contexts.

This paper, “Context-specific drinking risks among adolescents,” was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and published in the journal Substance use & misuse.