Social host policies and underage drinking parties

Subst Use Misuse. 2013 Jan;48(1-2):41-53. doi: 10.3109/10826084.2012.722158. Epub 2012 Sep 25.

Abstract

Social host policies focused on underage drinking parties are implemented to reduce social availability of alcohol and high-risk drinking by adolescents in private locations. We examined the policies' relationship with drinking location, peer-group drinking size, heavy episodic drinking, and nonviolent consequences. Cross-sectional data from 11,205, 14-20-year olds, were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Policies were not associated with drinking location, decreased heavy episodic drinking, or nonviolent consequences. However, adolescents from communities with a preexisting policy had lower odds of drinking in large peer groups compared to those from communities without a policy at baseline. Additional research is needed to examine their effectiveness. The study's limitations are noted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Age Factors
  • Alcohol Drinking / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Peer Group
  • Public Policy / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • United States
  • Young Adult