As noted earlier, even though a smaller percentage of adolescents in this sample had tried alcohol, compared to those in the YRBS, their prevalence in many of the risky behaviors was almost identical, and in some cases higher, than the prevalence of those in the YRBS. The prevalence of binge drinking and past-year binge drinking in the subset of the population suggest binge drinkers may be at increased risk for developing alcohol abuse problems in the future and should be targeted for additional screening and alcohol abuse prevention programs. These prevalence data should be a concern for health care professionals concerned with adolescent health.
