It appears that there is an underlying aetiology of alcohol problem use that overlaps partially with initiation of alcohol use. Given the high prevalence of initiation of alcohol use, it may represent a more cognisant use of resources to target interventions at the development of more serious alcohol use rather than trying to prevent alcohol use completely within this age group. However, the results from analyses of both marijuana use and cigarette suggest that it may be more important to intervene to stop initiation of use, as the risk factors influencing initiation will also influence progression to more serious use.
