This booklet examines the problem of alcohol use among American teenagers. The role that alcohol plays in adult society is presented and its potential danger for causing teenage alcohol addiction is considered. A discussion on why some teenagers abuse alcohol focuses on familial, peer, sociocultural, environmental, personality, and behavioral…

An examination of personality development points the way toward prevention strategies which respond to social and emotional needs of young alcohol abusers. Prevention programs which utilize these strategies have begun to operate. There is a critical need for more programs, particularly in the area of early parent education. (Author)

Alcoholism etiology is discussed from developmental behavior genetic perspective. Temperament features that appear to be associated with heightened risk for alcoholism are examined. Their interactions with the environment during course of development are considered within epigenetic framework and, as discussed, have ramifications for improving…