Much of the econometric research of
survey data has focused on drinking by youths. Teenagers and young
adults are of special concern for several reasons. First, youths exhibit
relatively high rates (compared with their elders) of binge
drinking and involvement in motor vehicle accidents and violent
crime.
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Second, to the extent that drinking is habit forming, youthful
drinking sets the pattern for later consumption. Third, drinking
behavior during the transition from adolescence to adulthood may
have consequences for human capital and family formation.