In 1993 there were approximately 4.2 million new users of alcohol, while in 1991 there were only 3.3 million users. The rate of new usage among the 18-25 age group, where it is highest, was flat in recent years (239 per 1000 person years in 1993), but the rate among the 12-17 age group increased from 125 per 1000 person years in 1991 to 172 in 1993.
