Alcohol Consumption Among Young People in Marginalised Groups

Ireland provides an overview of experiences around youth alcohol consumption among some marginalised social groups. Following consideration of terminology around alcohol problems, and ‘marginalised’ and ‘excluded’ populations, the author considers alcohol-related research findings for three distinct youth groups. Focusing on young offenders, LGBT youth, and young people with familial domestic abuse histories, Ireland highlights that drinking alcohol in youth is not always problematic, though membership of a socially excluded group may increase the likelihood of associated harms. Marginalised youth groups are discussed as heterogeneous (internally varied) in terms of their characteristics and needs around alcohol use, with many youths having identities based within multiple excluded groups. The extent to which tailored alcohol interventions might be effective and meaningful for these groups is addressed, with adapted alcohol interventions discussed in terms of their utility and feasibility.