Regional variations in alcohol use among young people in France. Epidemiological approach to alcohol use and abuse by adolescents and conscripts

Over the past decade, we have observed a disparity between alcohol consumpt ion and related mortality, especially in its regional distribution. Two epi demiological surveys carried out by CRSSA and INSERM (unit 472) focused on drinking behaviour patterns among young conscripts and secondary school stu dents. Regular drinkers in particular were studied. Geographical distributi on of regular alcohol use differs from that of alcohol-related deaths. Alco hol consumption is higher in the south of France than in the north, while m ortality from alcohol abuse remains higher in the north. (C) 1949 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.