The longitudinal prediction of alcohol consumption-related harms among young adults

Subst Use Misuse. 2012 Oct;47(12):1303-17. doi: 10.3109/10826084.2012.699577. Epub 2012 Jul 10.

Abstract

This study explores the longitudinal pathways by which risk and protective factors influence the development of alcohol-related harms in a representative community sample of 941 young adults (19-20 years) from Victoria, Australia, focusing on the role of concurrent risky drinking. Impulsivity at 15-16 years, alcohol-related harms at 15-16 years and 17-18 years, frequency of intoxication at 17-18 years, and antisocial behavior, friends' drinking and living arrangements at 19-20 years were directly related to alcohol-related harms, as well as indirectly related to harms through increased risky drinking. Paternal drinking at 17-18 years was directly related to alcohol-related harms. Friends' drinking at 19-20 years and alcohol-related harms at age 17-18 interacted with risky drinking to increase the likelihood of alcohol-related harms. Implications for intervention efforts are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects*
  • Alcohol Drinking / psychology*
  • Alcohol-Related Disorders
  • Female
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Risk-Taking
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Victoria
  • Young Adult