Details for Not Early Drinking but Early Drunkenness Is a Risk Factor for Problem Behaviors Among Adolescents

Authors: Emmanuel Kuntsche, Ingeborg Rossow, Bruce Simons-Morton, Tom Ter Bogt, Anna Kokkevi, and Emmanuelle Godeau.

Many studies have reported that the earlier the age at first drink (AFDrink) the higher the later drinking levels and related problems. However, unless adolescents proceed into drunkenness, it is unclear why consuming small quantities at early age should lead to later problems. This study investigates the link between AFDrink and problem behaviors (smoking, cannabis use, injuries, fights, and low academic performance) among 15-year-olds who did and did not proceed into drunkenness. Among those with drunkenness experience, the study tested whether AFDrink predicted problem behaviors over and above the age at first drunkenness (AFDrunk).