ABSTRACT

The aim of the book is to analyse drinking patterns among young people, with particular emphasis on experiences in different European societies. Among the world regions, Europe has the highest levels of alcohol consumption (Rehm et al., 2004). The production of alcoholic beverages is important economically and given a high cultural value in a number of European countries, and drinking is enmeshed in diverse ways in cultural symbolism and practices all over Europe. These general social patterns are reflected in high levels of drinking, and of alcohol-related problems, among teenagers and young adults (Rehm et al., 2001). Foremost among the problems related to drinking for young people are injuries and other health and social problems related to alcohol intoxication.