By the time young people reach the age of 16, most will have experimented with alcohol. Researchers at Edinburgh University recently found that a quarter of 15-year-olds are drinking at least once a week, with five percent of young people describing themselves as 'regular drinkers' at the age of 12.

Most young people will be aware to some extent that alcohol carries some health risks. However, many will choose to drink regardless, often influenced by peer pressure, a desire to lose their inhibitions, or to cope with personal or emotional issues. Alcohol may also be perceived as a solution to a lack of other social activities in their area.

Young people will often choose to drink beer, cider, fortified wine or vodka, but most will underestimate the amount of alcohol consumed, and find it difficult to identify the number of units of alcohol that are contained in specific drinks. As a result, they may not be aware of the true potency of alcohol and its dramatic effects on health and wellbeing, which also vary according to age, size and gender.

The effects can include loss of inhibitions, arguing or getting into fights and risky sexual behaviour, as well as physical or mental illness resulting from misuse of alcohol itself. Alcohol-related accidents are one of the leading causes of death in young people aged 15-24.

Young people who experiment with alcohol may experience problems with school attendance and with their personal relationships. They may also suffer the consequences of problem drinking in their home.

Health professionals can play a key role in helping young people to understand more about alcohol and its effects. A range of resources have been selected to help you.