Pathological alcohol involvement: A developmental disorder of young adulthood

In 1987, we began a longitudinal study of the offspring of alcoholic parent s and have been following this group of young adults from their freshman ye ar in college throughout their transition into later young adulthood. The g oal of this review is to highlight some of the findings we consider most im portant and relevant to the development of pathological alcohol involvement in young adulthood. Courses of pathological alcohol involvement in young a dulthood are outlined. Predictors of both the development and course of pat hological alcohol use in young adulthood are also addressed, including fami ly history of alcoholism, personality, alcohol use motivations, and role tr ansitions. While certainly a problem in its own right, pathological alcohol involvement can also affect the attainment of important life tasks and suc cess in various life roles. Consequently, we also examine the effects of pa thological alcohol involvement on later role transitions and role attainmen t. Finally, prevention, policy, and treatment issues surrounding this stage of life are discussed.