- A new study looked at how people drink alcohol.
- It found that three basic needs matter for drinking.
- The needs are choice, skill, and feeling cared for.
- People who have these needs act more safely when drinking.
- They take safer actions like drinking more slowly.
- People lacking these needs report more heavy drinking problems.
- Many college students answered questions about alcohol use.
- Another study followed adults in midlife over two years.
- Researchers suggest supporting needs may reduce alcohol harm.
Difficult words
- study — research work about a topic
- choice — the chance to pick one thing
- skill — ability to do something well
- safely — in a way that is not dangerous
- heavy — large in amount or degree
- reduce — make something smaller or less
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Which of the three needs is most important to you?
- Have you seen people drink slowly?
- Do you think support for needs can reduce problems?
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