Alcohol and Mental Health in Young Adults : Sustainable Development Goals Series

Goodwin, L. and Puddephat, J.-A. and Irizar, P. (2025) Alcohol and Mental Health in Young Adults : Sustainable Development Goals Series. In: Young Adult Drinking Styles : Current Perspectives on Research, Policy and Practice. Sustainable Development Goals Series . Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. ISBN 9783031985270

Abstract

The co-occurrence of alcohol and mental health problems in the general population is well-documented. Among young adults, evidence suggests that most of those with an alcohol problem are also suffering with a mental health problem. The transition from childhood to adolescence is a critical point for the development of both alcohol and mental health problems. Young adults who experience alcohol and mental health problems concurrently have worse outcomes than those with one problem alone, and treatments for co-occurring problems are complex. In this chapter, we discuss (1) key theories regarding co-occurring alcohol and mental health problems, (2) evidence on the extent of these issues, and (3) current treatments.