[Study of the process of alcoholism in young persons using cluster analysis].

An epidemiological survey was carried out among high school students of 3 French regions. Their use of drugs (alcohol, tobacco, psychotropic drugs, illicit drugs) was studied, as well as their self-perception of personality, relations inside and outside the family, school performance, and lifestyle. Different aspects of drinking were considered: regularity of intake, quantity absorbed, inebriation. The use of alcoholic drinks together with psychotropic substances was studied. A cluster analysis applied to adolescent personality self-perception revealed 10 different personality types (5 for the boys; 5 for the girls). The social, family, and relational characteristics of each personality type are described. The correlations between personality self-perception and liquor use allow us to define 3 profiles of heavy drinkers.