Paper presents public health model of alcohol intensity and attendant consequences. Analyses examined influence of agent (beverage of choice), host (individual characteristics), and environment (contexts of drinking) on indexes of alcohol intensity and alcohol-related consequences. Analyses suggest males, adolescents who begin drinking at a younger age, and older adolescents drink with more intensity. Implications for prevention and research are offered. (Contains 39 references, 2 tables, and 3 figures.) (Author)