The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of experimental alcohol intake and associated factors in early adolescence. The overall sample consisted of 4,452 adolescents (mean age = 11.3 years; SD = 0.3)
IntroductionAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), psychoactive drugs are substances that act on the central nervous system, producing behavioral, mood, and cognitive alterations 1,2 . Alcohol is classified as a depressant type of psychoactive substance, causing initial euphoria and subsequent somnolence and reduced reflexes. Despite alcohol's potential for developing addiction, it is one of the few drugs whose consumption is not only allowed, but routinely encouraged through industry advertising.The burden of disease attributed to alcohol consumption is extremely high 3 . Alcohol abuse is considered a public health problem due to its social, economic, and health consequences 4 . Alcohol consumption is related causally to some 60 diseases in the International Classification of Diseases 5 . In the United States, alcohol is the fourth cause of death in individuals 10-24 years of age. Importantly, earlier initiation to alcohol consumption is associated with increased risk of acute complications like injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and unprotected sex 6 . Reduction of the risk attributed to alcohol-related diseases is a WHO priority 4 .In Brazil, alcohol is the most widely consumed drug in all age groups, and its intake has increased especially in young people (12-15 years of age) 7 . Experimental use of alcohol begins in childhood and is consolidated in adolescence 8 . Fergusson ARTIGO ARTICLE