Single episode of alcohol intoxication in adolescents has no long-term psychosocial effects

Long-term sequellae of frequent and excessive alcohol use by adolescents are well investigated, but knowledge about the consequences of a single episode of alcohol intoxication (SEAI) is scarce. In this study forty adolescents participated (22 M, 18 F, mean age 15.2 years old), who had been admitted to hospital with an alcohol intoxication. Two-and-a-half years after the intoxication incident they filled out questionnaires about their current alcohol consumption, use of other substances, psychosocial functioning and health-related quality of life. A control group was matched for age, gender and level of education, but there was no history of serious alcohol intoxication. They filled out the same questionnaires as the SEAI group. Results revealed no significant differences between the SEAI group and the controls, except that the SEAI group used more tobacco. The conclusion from this study is that a one-time only alcohol intoxication in adolescents not results in an increased risk on alcohol or substance abuse, psychosocial problems, or diminished health-related quality of life.