A positive choice: young people who drink little or no alcohol

This study examined the lives and choices of young people (aged 16-25) living in the UK who drink little or no alcohol.
Current policy is directed at young people who drink alcohol with little attention paid to the insights of those who drink lightly or not at all. The influences that shape young people’s decisions and how their choices and patterns of consumption affect their lives were explored through interviews.
The report:
• examines current drinking patterns and identifies five ‘drinking types’;
• highlights that choosing not to drink alcohol or to drink lightly is a commonplace and positive choice;
• explores the influences and experiences that led young people to their choices and identifies three ‘narratives’ encapsulating their journeys;
• considers the strategies and responses young people employ to manage not drinking or drinking lightly; and
• critically examines the widely held assumption that drinking is part of‘growing up’ and discusses how ‘not drinking’ could be supported as a valid choice.

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ISBN 9781859359242 (pdf)