Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as the early use and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, disordered eating, and other risky behaviors begin in adolescence. In addition, these behaviors involve an active decision to engage in the behaviors, and thus, are amenable to change. Just as an adolescent may decide to engage in a particular risky behavior, with education and accurate information, they may decide to not engage in the behavior. Given the potential for the consequences associated with early alcohol use and that many health practices, positive or negative, begin in adolescence, this research examined the relationship between an early AFD and adolescents’ participation in risky behaviors, comparing three adolescent groups; nondrinkers, early-onset drinkers, and late-onset drinkers.
