Friendship and alcohol use among young adults: A cross-disciplinary literature review

Links between young adult friendships and drinking practices have recently emerged as an area of interest from multiple disciplinary perspectives. This can be seen in emergent discussion of alcohol’s role as a catalyst for initiating friendships and developing intimacy within friendships. Using a cross-disciplinary, methodologically plural approach we draw together emergent findings from the diffuse empirical work relevant to this topic area. Research is critically discussed across two broad sub-sections: ‘How do friendships influence young adults’ alcohol use?' and ‘How does alcohol use shape friendships?' Future research pathways and research applications are also considered.