Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

A Developmental Perspective on Alcohol and Youths 16 to 20 Years of Age
PEDIATRICS Vol. 121 Supplement April 2008, pp. S290-S310



Late adolescence (ie, 16–20 years of age) is a period characterized by escalation of drinking and alcohol use problems for many and by the onset of an alcohol use disorder for some. This heightened period of vulnerability is a joint consequence of the continuity of risk from earlier developmental stages and the unique neurologic, cognitive, and social changes that occur in late adolescence.

We review the normative neurologic, cognitive, and social changes that typically occur in late adolescence, and we discuss the evidence for the impact of these transitions on individual drinking trajectories.

We also describe evidence linking alcohol abuse in late adolescence with neurologic damage and social impairments, and we discuss whether these are the bases for the association of adolescent drinking with increased risks of mental health, substance abuse, and social problems in adulthood.

Finally, we discuss both the challenges and successes in the treatment and prevention of adolescent drinking problems.


Read Full Abstract

Request Reprint E-Mail: s6brown@ucsd.edu
___________________________________________________________________
at