Drinking patterns of Australian tertiary youth

Abstract

In this review Australian research on the drinking patterns, beliefs and attitudes toward alcohol of young adults undertaking tertiary education is examined. Most studies reveal that a majority of students are light to moderate drinkers. Alcohol is readily available to these young adults, and is an important component in many of their social activities. Students generally do not perceive alcohol use to be a possible health problem for themselves. For the majority this is probably true. However, many studies identify groups drinking at “at risk” levels (> 40 grams per day for males and > 20 grams per day for females). To develop strategies for minimising alcohol‐related problems it is important that health authorities gain a better understanding of the social context in which young adults' drinking occurs. The main social influences identified by current research are presented in this review.

Adolescent views on risky and illegal alcohol use

“…Their personal inexperience with alcohol and limited exposure to peer drinking situations [i3,I4] may explain their stronger endorsement of reasons such as getting into bad company and not knowing enough about what alcohol can do. As predicted, the mid-teen respondents and the older adolescents were very similar in their mean ratings, suggesting that increased opportunities to drink and observe alcohol consumption during the mid-teen [4] and young adult years [24] give adolescents similar perceptions about the reasons for risky or illegal consumption.…”

Drink-Driving and Perceptions of Legally Permissible Alcohol Use

“…Perhaps surprisingly, given the high prevalence of hazardous drinking among tertiary students in Australasia (Kypri, Langley, McGee, Saunders, & Williams, 2002;Roche & Watt, 1999;Wilks, 1989), research on this topic is limited to one study of a convenience sample, in which 26% of Australian students reported, in the past 12 months, being under the influence of alcohol while a designated driver (Stevenson et al, 2001). That study highlighted the problems of both drink-driving and being the passenger of a drink-driver (so-called "drinkriding").…”

Drinking and university students: from celebration to inebriation

“…Even though 18 23-year-olds who drink (and university students in particular) are regularly identified as being at risk and warranting special attention, comparatively little work has been undertaken to identify problems and determine appropriate solutions [10]. This is despite concerns raised by health care providers, law enforcement agents and in observational and anecdotal reports.…”