The sample’s age heterogeneity (age 12–18 at intake) meant a censored observation period for some individuals. Analyses controlled for age, reducing the likelihood that age accounted for telescoping in later onsetters. In addition, ancillary analyses that stratified the sample on age indicated that telescoping was apparent even among younger youth who would show less biased retrospective report (less “forward telescoping”). However, whether findings were an artifact of the young, heavy substance-using clinical sample remains to be seen. Although results may not generalize to all adolescents, the study provides important information on the clinical course/natural history of drinking for youth who may have greater chronicity of alcohol problems, and greater likelihood of engaging in a compulsive drinking pattern. Finally, the present study cannot distinguish between number of years and drinking experience. The assumption here is that youth are drinking more intensely and frequently during a short duration. Yet, although drinking may be accelerated, fewer years of risk may translate into fewer acute and chronic outcomes.
