idemic proportions. Professionals do caution, however, that "alcohol dependence usually takes several years to develop [and] alcohol misuse does not necessarily involve dependence."6
Taken in general, American society accepts the use of alcohol by all segments of the population except young people. However, youths are surrounded by the culture of alcohol, and may have trouble differentiating between the acceptable use of the substance, and the peer pressure which is so prominent in today's society. "Young people get formal education about alcohol in school, but also a great deal of informal education from television, movies, books, peers, adults and their own experiences. This can result in confusion as to standards or clarific
...