High Potency and Other Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Among Adolescents

This study examined the prevalence of high potency (liquor, malt liquor, fortified wine) and other alcoholic beverage consumption (beer, wine/wine coolers) among adolescents, the impact of gender and ethnicity, and the risk and protective factors that predicted consumption. A confidential survey revealed that, among eighth grade students, wine/wine coolers were the most popular alcoholic beverages, with the highest levels of lifetime use, and the greatest current frequency and quantity of use, followed closely by beer and liquor. Minor gender differences were found, as well as notable ethnic differences, in consumption. Intentions and attitudes were important predictors of use across beverages. Different factors may need to be targeted depending upon the type of beverage that is addressed in future prevention programs.