This study examined alcohol use development from ages 13-20 years. The sample comprised 256 youth (50.4% female; 51.2% White, 48.8% African American) assessed annually for 6 years.
A cohort-sequential latent growth model was used to model categorical alcohol use (non-use vs. use). Covariates included gender, race, income, parent marital status, risk taking, spiritual beliefs, parent alcohol use, family alcohol problems, family cohesion, friends' alcohol use, and normative peer use.
The alcohol use trajectory increased steadily with age. Risk taking, friends' alcohol use, and normative peer use were positively associated with higher initial rates of alcohol use.
Initial parent alcohol use and positive change in parents' and friends' alcohol use over time were related to an increase in alcohol use from ages 13-20 years.
