Alcohol use among adolescents and young adults.

National surveys of adolescents, college students, and other young adults in the United States reveal high rates of alcohol use among these age groups as well as high rates of dangerous drinking practices such as binge drinking and daily drinking. Additional health-compromising behaviors such as tobacco use and drinking and driving often co-occur with alcohol use in these populations. The physical locations or drinking contexts where alcohol use occurs can predict drinking practices and consequences. This information can be used to identify appropriate targets for effective interventions and social policies.