Citation

Patrick ME, Terry-McElrath YM. Addiction 2016; 112(1): 82-93.

Affiliation

Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/add.13556

PMID

27514864

Abstract

AIMS: To estimate (1) the prevalence of underage binge drinking, high-intensity drinking, and intoxication among young adults aged 19/20; (2) change in these behaviors across the transition out of high school and across historical time; and (3) associations between these behaviors and key covariates, including college status. Design, Setting, & Participants Longitudinal data from the U.S. nationally representative Monitoring the Future study included 1,657 respondents first surveyed as 12th graders (modal age 18) in 2005-2013 and again at modal age 19/20 in 2006-2014. MEASUREMENTS: Self-reported measures of alcohol use, demographics, college attendance, and living situation.

FINDINGS: Binge drinking (5+ drinks on one occasion) was reported by 24.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 22.0, 26.5) of young adults aged 19/20; 10.3% (CI = 8.7, 11.9) reported high-intensity drinking of 10+ drinks; 4.2% (CI = 3.1, 5.2) reported 15+ drinks. Usual moderate/high intoxication when drinking was reported by 33.1% (CI = 30.6, 35.6); 29.6% (CI = 27.2, 32.0) reported usual sustained intoxication of 3+ hours. Significant variability (p < .001) in these behaviors from ages 18 to 19/20 was observed. Significant decreases (p < .05) across historical time in 5+ and 10+ drinking were found. Four-year college students not residing with parents had significantly higher odds of moderate/high intoxication, binge drinking, and high-intensity drinking compared with other groups (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS: Young adult underage binge drinking (5+ drinks on one occasion), high-intensity drinking (10+ and 15+ drinks), and intoxication are relatively common in the USA, and show meaningful variability across the transition out of high school. Four-year college students and those who do not live with their parents are more likely to engage in high-intensity drinking than their peers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Language: en