Alcohol use in adolescents - The scope of the problem and strategies for intervention

Alcohol use among adolescent athletes is fairly high, but the problem is co mplex. Young athletes may be more likely to abuse alcohol than their nonath lete peers and more likely to suffer behavioral and psychosocial consequenc es as a result of drinking. They are also more prone to binge drinking. Edu cation and prevention strategies should focus on behavioral and psychosocia l consequences because athletic performance typically does not suffer. A ch ange in behavior is most likely to alert a physician to an alcohol problem which is best addressed using a direct approach.