Alcoholism in adolescence is a serious problem that can have significant consequences on the physical, emotional, and social health of young people.

Objectives: 1.- Describe demographic aspects. 2.- Detect alcohol intake using SAAST. 3.- Identify motivations for consumption with MCA. 4.- Associate consumptions with motivations.

Methodology: the SAAST and MCA questionnaires were applied to 305 high school graduates from public and private schools, 48% women and 52% men: average age 17 years. Observational, descriptive, prolective and cross-sectional study design.
Results: 46% of men and 59% of women consumed alcohol from time to time. The relevant reasons for consumption: “it helps to enjoy a party” with an OR= 6.2, “it gives a pleasant sensation” with an OR= 4.3 and “to forget problems”, with an OR= 4.8. 32.7% had alcohol abuse problems.

Conclusions: Alcohol consumption is increasingly frequent at a younger age regardless of gender. The main reasons were hedonic and to forget problems. One third had alcohol abuse problems. Studies like this are necessary to continue raising awareness and working on personalized strategies to reduce the use, consumption and abuse of alcohol.