Perception of alcoholism problem among young people between 13 and 30 years old

The socio-environmental, together with genetic and psychological factors, are known to have a great impact on the etiology and pathogenesis of alcoholism. Adolescence represents the most risky phase of the life cycle for learning drinking habits, but this risk also extends to young adulthood. This paper presents the results obtained by the administration of a questionnaire to adolescents and young adults (age between 13 and 30) living in the district of Catania and contacted by psychiatrists in many schools and meeting place. The questionnaire also analyzes the following areas: personal data, schooling, social and psychological motivations of alcohol use, legal and medical aspects. The results disclose full details of the drinking habits of our young people that can be useful in a prevention programme