[Use of alcohol and snuff among young people in 2 municipalities in Nordland]

Abstract

Among 356 pupils in grades 6 to 9 (response rate 94%), the percentage who had tried drinking alcohol increased from 40% in grade 6 to 82% in grade 9. Alcohol consumption and inhalation of solvents were strongly interrelated, and both covaried with smoking and having sometime tried smokeless tobacco. 35% believed that a young person who did not drink alcohol would feel that he/she would be regarded by others as somewhat childish, cowardly or stupid. In fact, only 10% reported that they would look upon an abstainer in this way. This finding indicates that many young people exaggerate the risk of losing status among their peers because they abstain from drinking. Parental tolerance towards drunkenness and lack of a trustful relationship with parents were strong predictors both of alcohol use and intoxication from inhalants.