NCJ Number
169965
Date Published
1992
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This research review examined the findings of studies related to the dangerous and often unrecognized consequences of underage alcoholic beverage consumption.
Abstract
Using several University of California on-line database services, this study reviewed medical, legal, psychological, and other social research studies and surveys related to the negative consequences of youth alcohol use. Those who have researched the association between crime and underage drinking have found a strong association between alcohol use and crimes of aggression, such as murder and rape. Also, studies of various populations have shown that many victims of violent crime are intoxicated at the time of the incident. Although this problem is most often noted in rape victims, victims of other crimes exhibit similar high levels of intoxication. Researchers estimate that alcohol use is implicated in one-third to two-thirds of sexual assault and acquaintance or "date" rape cases among teens and college students. Research consistently shows that alcohol use is associated with the early onset of sexual activity and with risky sexual behavior. Further, alcohol is a contributing factor in the timing and seriousness of youth suicide attempts. According to national data, drowning is the second leading cause of injury- related death among adolescents and young adults. One researcher identified alcohol and/or drug use as the primary factor in adolescent swimming, boating, and diving drownings. A researcher who reviewed studies on college drinking found that missing classes, missing work, and not studying were the most often noted alcohol-related problems; other researchers have linked alcohol use with more serious campus problems. A 51-item bibliography