Alcoholism in Young Men.

There was a large increase in the number of young alcoholics hospitalized during the later time period of the study. Such an increase in hospital admissions does not necessarily indicate a higher prevalence of alcoholism among young Navy men although this possibility merits further study. Most yound men who drink heavily do not become alcoholic, and many may have underlying character and behavior disorders and poor prognoses. Clear criteria for admission to treatment appear to be especially important for young alcoholics because of this diversity in clinical history and prognosis. Similarities and differences among treatment programs need to be examined and related to treatment outcomes.