Short- and long-term psychosocial of a single episode of alcoholic intoxication: a cohort study among Dutch adolescents

The short- and long-term psychological consequences of a single episode of alcohol intoxication in adolescents are unknown. Twenty-four adolescents (12 M, 12 F), mean age 18.3 ± 1.1 years, who had been admitted to the pediatric ward with alcohol intoxication (mean age at admission 15.6 ± 1.1) and thirty-two parents were interviewed on the intoxication episode and the subsequent consequences. This interview took place 2–3 years after the alcohol intoxication. At the same time, all participants completed questionnaires, assessing general and demographic information, detailed information about current alcohol use, present-day health-related quality of life, and psychological well-being. We observed that short-term (<6 months) psychosocial consequences on family life, family rules, friendships, and school were retrospectively judged more neutral and even more positive than negative by adolescents and their parents. Eighty-six percent of all reported changes by adolescents and parents, directly after the intoxication, lasted 6 months or less. At follow-up present-day quality of life was comparable to the norm, social functioning was significantly better and their mental health proved to be within the normal range (no emotional and behavioral problems). Since the intoxication, none of the participants had dropped out of school and their present-day alcohol use was comparable to estimated averages for their age.