Socio-cultural and family context of Serbian post-conflict and transition society intensifies overall risks of alcohol (mis)use.

The main purpose of this article was to analyze the risk behavior of young people in relation to (mis)use of alcoholic beverages in Serbia. Five indicators were examined: use of alcohol by the very young, frequency of use of alcoholic beverages, the state of getting drunk, combination of alcohol and psychoactive substances and motives for use of alcoholic beverages.

The study included 3.111 participants aged between 16 and 35 years from different parts of Serbia. Collection of data was conducted in April 2007. Participants completed self-administered anonymous questionnaires (modified YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOUR SURVEY) that consisted of sociodemographic characteristics and experiences related to alcohol (mis)use.

Majority of participants reported drinking alcohol at the age of fifteen or younger. Lifetime alcohol use was reported by 75% participants. Prevalence of alcohol drinking was threefold higher among males. The overall prevalence of the state of getting drunk among participants was 36%. During one month before survey 10% of participants have expirienced combination of alcohol and psychoactive substances. Key motives for use of alcoholic beverages were relaxation (33%) and friendship (17%).

Early alcohol use, history of family disorganization and parental alcoholism were identified as factors related to increased risk of (mis)use of alcohol among young in Serbia.

(Mis)use of alcohol was related to significantly higher risk of other risk behaviors as marijuana use, violence, gambling, driving car in alcoholic state.