RELATIONSHIPS AMONG ALCOHOL AVAILABILITY, DRINKING LOCATION, ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION, AND DRINKING PROBLEMS IN ADOLESCENTS

We examined relationships among perceived alcohol availability, drinki ng location, alcohol consumption, and drinking problems. Subjects were 3,372 adolescent drinkers, ages 16-18, who participated in the Commun ities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol Project baseline survey. Mixed- model regression was employed to identify predictors of alcohol consum ption and drinking consequences. Perceived alcohol availability was si gnificantly associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption for m ales. Drinking in a public location, such as a bar, restaurant, or par ty, was marginally associated with higher levels of alcohol consumptio n for females. Results underscore the importance of youth alcohol asse ssibility.