This book is based on the premise that drinking behaviors are primarily learned. The contributors to the book explore the complex array of individual and social factors that impact the development of drinking patterns. They traverse family and culture influences, and the role played by schools, government, and the beverage alcohol industry.
    Learning About Drinking offers a rigorous and scholarly examination of drinking behavior brought to life with illustrative cases drawn from around the world. Social policymakers, historians, anthropologists, public health specialists, as well as mental health professionals will find this book of value. Learning About Drinking offers a refreshing, evidence-based look at a process that has too often been taken for granted.

    Editors' Biographies. Contributors. Foreword, M. Grant. Acknowledgements. Drinking Behavior: A Multifaceted and Multiphasic Phenomenon, A.M. Roche. Acquiring the Competence to Drink Responsibly, G.M. Schipper, M.A.G. van Aken, S.M.M. Lammers, L. de Fuentes Merillas. Family and Cultural Influences on Alcohol and Young People, J. J. Sanchez- Sosa, F. Poldrugo. Alcohol Influences: The Role of Family and Peers, G.G. Milgram. Religious Influences on Drinking: Illustrations from Select Groups, S. Weiss. Learning by Experiment, M. Plant. Past Influences, Current Issues, Future Research Directions, R.C. Engs. Multiple Influences on Adolescents, I. Newman. Formal Education, D.J. Hanson. The Role of the Media, J.E. Stockdale. The Role of Government and the Law, K.R. Evans, Ann M. Roche. The Beverage Alcohol Industry and Learning about Drinking, G. Max, G. Willersdorf. Conclusion, E. Houghton. Index.

    Biography

    Eleni Houghton, Anne M. Roche

    "This book can be useful for advanced undergraduate or graduate courses on adolescent development, substance use, or alcohol education and prevention programs. It can also be useful for researchers and policymakers. The strengths of the book are its focus on the factors that promote responsible drinking practices and the presentation of research findings from various countries that gives it a truly international perspective. This book provides a counterbalance to the extensive literature on the problems associated with alcohol misuse and irresponsible drinking." -- Studies on Alcohol