Social Influences on Adolescent and Young Adult Alcohol Use : Identification Guide for Child Services

Many adolescents and young adults engage in drinking behavior, which result in acute and chronic negative consequences (e.g., unintentional injuries, arguments, unplanned and/or unprotected sexual activities, trouble with police/authorities, poor academic/work performance, suicide, and death), and alcohol dependence. Social influence is foremost among the causes attributed to the initiation and maintenance of alcohol use during this period. This book reviews a number of prominent theories of social influence that are directly relevant to drinking behavior among adolescents and young adults.