Teens Who Work Long Hours More Likely to Engage in Binge Drinking

A recent study published in the January 2004 issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health found a correlation between long work hours and binge drinking among teens. The study, conducted by the Prevention Research Center of the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), discovered that teens who work more than ten hours per week are more likely to engage in heavy or "binge" drinking. This finding is concerning in light of the estimated $53 billion annual cost of underage drinking in the US, as well as the numerous personal tragedies and destructive behaviors associated with it.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that teens who work more than ten hours per week are significantly more likely to engage in heavy drinking (defined as five or more drinks on one occasion).
• Working more than ten hours per week increases teens' access to alcohol through greater personal income, allowing them to purchase alcohol directly or obtain it indirectly through others.
• Employment also exposes teens to older peers and adults who drink, increasing their perception that alcohol use and heavy drinking are socially acceptable.
• The study found that teens who work more than ten hours per week have a lower level of school commitment, a lower grade point average, and are less motivated to attend college compared to those who work fewer hours per week.
• The study highlights the potential link between low school commitment and poor academic performance, which are partly attributed to heavy alcohol use.
• In 2002, almost 80% of high school seniors had consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime, 50% had consumed alcohol within the past 30 days, and 30% had consumed enough to be intoxicated within the past 30 days.

Statistics:

• The study found that teens who work more than ten hours per week are more likely to engage in heavy drinking.
• Heavy drinking is defined as five or more drinks on one occasion.
• The estimated annual cost of underage drinking in the US is $53 billion.
• In 2002, 80% of high school seniors had consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime.
• 50% of high school seniors had consumed alcohol within the past 30 days.
• 30% of high school seniors had consumed enough to be intoxicated within the past 30 days.

Sources:

• Prevention Research Center of the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) study published in the January 2004 issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health.
• Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council report to Congress.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse funding for the study.
• Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) fact sheet.