Dataset Information

Trajectories of early alcohol use milestones: Interrelations among initiation and progression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Alcohol use shows age-graded patterning, with normative use progressing through characteristic milestones of escalating use or severity. Despite some knowledge about the timing of milestone attainment and sequencing across milestones, there is a gap in our understanding of the earliest stages of use. This study characterizes the timing, sequencing, and speed of progression through milestones beginning with the first sip of alcohol.

Methods

Sixth through eighth graders (N = 1023; 52% female; 76% White; M = 12.23 years old) completed web surveys through the end of high school. Participants reported on alcohol experiences including the first sip, full drink, consumption of 3+ drinks/occasion (heavy drinking), being drunk, and experiencing acute consequences, from which milestone age and speed of progression (duration) were calculated. Milestone prevalence, sequencing, and timing were characterized, and associations between age of attainment and speed of progression were examined. We also examined whether milestone timing and progression varied by sex and racial/ethnic group.

Results

Overall, milestones followed the expected ordering with the exception of heavy drinking (3+ drinks/occasion) and being drunk, which appear to index similar experiences. An earlier age of attainment was associated with an increased likelihood of attaining each of the milestones. In contrast, once a milestone was achieved, there was reduced risk of initiation of subsequent adjacent milestones for individuals with an earlier first sip and full drink, and earlier initiation was associated with a longer duration to subsequent milestones. Girls were more likely to attain all milestones than boys, but there was no sex difference in the age of attainment. In contrast, Hispanic youth reported earlier ages of initiation than White non-Hispanic youth, but the likelihood of attainment did not vary by race/ethnicity. Rapid progression was observed in females but did not vary by race/ethnicity.

Discussion

Risks associated with early drinking are complex, with little support for normative ordering of milestones beyond the first sip. Although early drinking is associated with an increased risk of subsequent drinking, it does not appear to place the drinker on an accelerated course to heavier use. A nuanced understanding of risks associated with milestone timing may inform intervention efforts.

SUBMITTER: Jackson KM

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8642286 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Trajectories of early alcohol use milestones: Interrelations among initiation and progression.

Jackson Kristina M KM Marceau Kristine K Colby Suzanne M SM Barnett Nancy P NP Rogers Michelle L ML Hayes Kerri L KL

Alcoholism, clinical and experimental research 20211012 11

<h4>Background</h4>Alcohol use shows age-graded patterning, with normative use progressing through characteristic milestones of escalating use or severity. Despite some knowledge about the timing of milestone attainment and sequencing across milestones, there is a gap in our understanding of the earliest stages of use. This study characterizes the timing, sequencing, and speed of progression through milestones beginning with the first sip of alcohol.<h4>Methods</h4>Sixth through eighth graders ( ...[more]

PMID: 34585748

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Dataset Information

Trajectories of early alcohol use milestones: Interrelations among initiation and progression.

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Publications

Trajectories of early alcohol use milestones: Interrelations among initiation and progression.

Similar Datasets

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