The Social Context of Alcohol Initiation Among African American and White Youth

Abstract

This study documented the social context of alcohol initiation in children and adolescents, and examined gender, age, and ethnic differences among African Americans and Whites. Data comprised 148 youths reporting that they had tried alcohol, with a mean age of 13 years and a mean alcohol use onset age of 10 years. Most respondents (61%) indicated that they were with their parents when they first used alcohol, half were at home at the time, and many first tried alcohol when they were hanging out (39%) or at parties (35%). A number of significant differences were found between younger and older initiators, and White and African American youth, highlighting the importance of designing alcohol prevention interventions targeted by age and race.

Key Words:

• Alcohol use
• initiation
• youth
• social context