Furthermore, many types of alcohol abuse may exist, each with its own genetic predisposition interacting with a particular environment. An estimated 3.3 million drinking teenagers aged 14 to 17 are showing signs that they may develop serious alcohol-related problems. Recent surveys in the United States indicate that the first drinking experience today usually occurs around age 12, in contrast to ages 13-14 in the 1940's and 1950's. It is no longer unusual for 10-12 year olds to have serious alcohol abuse problems. Since 1966, the number of high school students nationwide intoxicated at least once a month has more than doubled, from 10 percent to more than 20 percent.
Most youth begin to drink in adolescence.
A recent study on adolescent alcohol abuse relevant to prevention efforts found that alcohol is the most widely used drug by youth between the ages of 12 and 17. By their senior year, more than 9 out of 10 had done so. The incidence of FAS is approximately 1 in 750 live births, or 4,800 babies per year in recent years. Women frequently engage in the high risk practice of abusing other drugs in combination with alcohol. The number increased to 64 percent for women 30 years and under.