The context of alcohol consumption among adolescents and their families.

AIMS: Alcohol consumption in adolescence has been an important topic in the study of public health policies. This study aimed to analyze and interpret the influence of the family in teenage alcohol consumption.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A qualitative research was undertaken, using interviews, observation, genogram and eco-map, in order to investigate 22 participants at a Family Health Unit in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. The family structure, composition, interaction, communication, and religion of the participants were considered.

RESULTS: The results were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis and indicated three themes, namely, the internality of the family: fragility and conflicts; among us: limits, responsibilities and hope; and the decision to drink: fun permeated by risks.

CONCLUSION: The family and sociocultural context of adolescents can positively and negatively influence the use and abuse of alcohol and, therefore, can be a target of intervention in nursing.