The NSDUH Report: Underage Drinking in Rural Areas

Based on SAMHSA's 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, rates of current underage drinking among youth aged 12 to 17 was higher in rural than nonrural areas. Current underage drinking among those aged 18 to 20, however, were higher in nonrural areas. Rural youth aged 12 to 17 reported lower levels of perceived risk from alcohol use, less disapproval of alcohol use, and less perceived parental disapproval of underage drinking than those in nonrural areas. Binge drinking (defined as 5 or more drinks on the same occasion at least one day in the past month) was also higher among rural youth age 12 to 17 (4.1%) than nonrural (1.6%) but did not differ by rural status for those aged 18 to 20.

http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k4/ruralYouthAlc/ruralYouthAlc.cfm

Publication Year: 2004

Publisher

Office of Applied Studies (OAS)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
1 Choke Cherry Road
Rockville, md 20857
Phone: 240-276-1250
Website: http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/