Introduction:

Alcohol use is a common practice among young people, and the acquisition of different drinking habits requires an understanding of associated factors.

Objective:

To analyze the pattern of alcohol use, its association with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and representations among young adult students from public schools.

Method:

A cross-sectional, quantitative and qualitative study, with 58 young adult students. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and focus groups with 22 selected students were used.

Results:

The prevalence of harmful alcohol use was 43.1%. There was an association between alcohol consumption and the median age of the students (p=0.019). The prevalence of some degree of depression was 55.2%; anxiety, 53.4%; and stress, 46.6%. Four themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: the harmful effect of alcohol; sale and access; controversies about rural alcohol consumption and; the social significance of alcohol. Discussion and

Conclusion:

The students analyzed had high alcohol consumption, although they reported understanding the potential risks and difficult experiences associated with its use.

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