Alcohol use and abuse : a pediatric concern

Pediatricians must increase their knowledge about alcohol use in young people and act to curb the problem. Alcohol is the most popular drug among youth and most young people take their first drink before or in their early teenage years. In Americans between the ages of 15 and 24, alcohol-related mot...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pediatrics (Evanston) 1995-03, Vol.95 (3), p.439-442
Main Authors: Schydlower, Manuel, Anglin, Trina M, Fuller, Paul G, Heyman, Richard B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Addictive behaviors
Adult and adolescent clinical studies
Alcohol and youth
Alcohol use
Alcoholism
Biological and medical sciences
Children & youth
Drinking (Alcoholic beverages)
Drinking of alcoholic beverages
Health aspects
Juvenile drinking
Medical sciences
Pediatrics
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Social aspects
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Summary:Pediatricians must increase their knowledge about alcohol use in young people and act to curb the problem. Alcohol is the most popular drug among youth and most young people take their first drink before or in their early teenage years. In Americans between the ages of 15 and 24, alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death. Alcohol use often precipitates the use of illegal substances and alcohol addiction is underdiagnosed in young people. A family history of alcoholism increases the risk of problem drinking in youth. Parental influence, peer pressure and societal acceptance of alcohol affects teenagers' decisions to drink. Pediatricians should oppose all psychocactive drug use, including alcohol, in young people unless it is medically indicated. Patient education, community involvement, and support for legal measures help support this stance.
ISSN:0031-4005
1098-4275