Alcohol use and academic status among Mexican American and White non-Hispanic adolescents.

In this study, Mexican American and White non-Hispanic school dropouts and students in good academic standing were compared on their use of alcohol. Results indicated that dropouts were at higher risk for alcohol use and misuse. Dropouts were 2.53 times more likely to report frequent alcohol use, 3.16 times more likely to classify themselves as heavy drinkers, and 3.00 times more likely to report frequent drunkenness when compared with their in-school counterparts. Gender, but not ethnicity, was also associated with alcohol use and misuse. The implications regarding greater risk of alcohol use and misuse among dropouts are discussed in terms of prevalence and prevention.