NCJ Number
200195
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: August 2003 Pages: 279-289
Date Published
August 2003
Length
11 pages
Annotation
Based on data from Finland's national 1999 Adolescent Health and Lifestyle Survey, which involved responses from 4,943 Finns ages 14 and 16, this study examined the relationship between choice of alcoholic beverage type and adolescents' substance use patterns and attitudes toward substance use.
Abstract
The survey obtained information from the respondents on the qualities and quantities of alcoholic beverages consumed on the latest drinking occasion. Because many of the respondents had at least sipped several beverages during the latest drinking occasion, the beverage of choice was defined as the primary source of ethanol rather than dividing the categories on the basis of exclusive use of the beverage type. Inquiry about other drug use was not done directly but rather through questions about peer use of drugs and whether the respondent had been offered any drugs during the past year. The study found that on average, drinkers of wine and cider engaged in the least heavy drinking. The drinking of spirits and multiple alcoholic beverages formed an intermediate group. Beer was found to be the choice of those who began drinking at the earliest age and who were the most frequent and heaviest drinkers. Overall, substance use patterns and attitudes were found to be associated with the amount of alcohol drunk on the latest drinking occasion. The beverage type chosen was also related to the amount of alcohol drunk. 3 tables and 40 references