How alcohol influences a representative group of rural ninth grade students in Iowa

Abuse of alcohol is one of the biggest health and social problems in the United States today. It is estimated that there are more than fifteen million persons whose drinking is associated with serious personal and social problems, including about ten million who are alcoholics. Alcohol use is often associated with crime, poverty, and other social problems. Alcohol also contributes to physical illness, mental illness, and family conflicts. More than fifty percent of the fatal accidents and a high proportion of the injuries occurring on the nation\u27s highways involve drivers or pedestrians who have had too much to drink. (Nusbrunner, 1981)