"I always stop before I get sick": a qualitative study on French adolescents alcohol use. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Acier, Didier; Kindelberger, Cécile; Chevalier, Camille; Guibert, Elise
• Is Part Of: Journal of substance use. Volume 20:Number 4(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 262
• Page End: 267
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Medication abuse -- Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.3109/14659891.2014.909892
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-9891

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: This study aimed to examine French adolescents' experiences and perception of alcohol use.</p> <p> <italic>Method</italic>: Individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with a total of 57 adolescents ranging from 12 to 18 years old.</p> <p> <italic>Measures</italic>: All interviews were conducted according to a similar discussion grid. Coding and analysis were carried out with N'vivo software. The coding grid was drawn up according to team consensus, using a cross-reference approach, based on phenomenology and discourse analysis.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: Adolescents are mostly introduced to alcohol consumption in family contexts while peer-influence usually increases this to regular or even excessive consumption. Consuming alcohol in this way is often seen as a means of fostering and strengthening friendships as well as of assuming one's identity. Adolescents tend to play down their alcohol use, deeming it to be a transitory phase. They limit their consumption according to the effects it induces rather than to the number of drinks.</p> <p> <italic>Recommendations</italic>: Specific alcohol harm-reduction strategies for adolescents appear to be a promising way to prevent alcohol misuse and an innovative technique could be to focus on setting limits on alcohol consumption based on adolescents' proprioceptive sensations.</p> </abstract>