QUICK FACTS FROM AEP RESEARCH

Situations and Settings of Youth Drinking

Where and with whom do young people drink?

Among 9th and 12th graders:

• The most common place to drink is in someone else's home.
• Those who drink usually drink with friends and in groups of 3 or more.
• 9th graders are more likely than 12th graders to drink with their parents.
• Those who drink in large groups are more likely to have 5 or more drinks at one time.

For more information order publication number:

11.6.102 :
Mayer RR, Forster JL, Murray DM, Wagenaar AC. Social settings and situations of underage drinking. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 1998 Mar;(2):207-215.

A 16- to 18-year-old teenager is likely to drink more drinks per sitting if he/she: (1)

• Has friends who drink heavily.
• Thinks drinking is "normal" for teenagers.
• Thinks it is unlikely that he/she will get caught by parents/school officials.

A 18-20-year-old teenager is likely to drink more drinks per sitting if he/she: (2)

• Drinks in public places such as bars, restaurants, and parties.
• Has friends who drink.
• Thinks drinking is "normal" for teenagers.

For more information order publication numbers:

(1) 11.6.96
Jones-Webb R, Toomey TL, Short B, Murray DM, Wagenaar AC, Wolfson M. Relationships among alcohol availability, drinking location, consumption, and drinking problems in adolescents. Substance Use and Misuse 1997;32(10):1261-1285.

(2) 11.6.84
Jones-Webb R, Short B, Wagenaar AC, Toomey TL, Murray DM, Wolfson M, Forster JL. Environmental predictors of drinking and drinking-related problems in young adults. Journal of Drug Education 1997;27(1):67-82.

Does the location of where teenagers drink affect if they will drink and drive?

Among 1,914 high school seniors from 15 midwestern communities, students were more at-risk for drinking and driving if they drank in:

• An outdoor location
• A moving car or truck
• Someone else's home (females only)

For more information order publication number:

11.6.95
Lee JA, Jones-Webb RJ, Short BJ, Wagenaar AC. Drinking location and risk of alcohol-impaired driving among high school seniors. Addictive Behaviors 1997; 22(3):387-393.