The study found that individuals who matured earlier than their peers had higher levels of alcohol use as well as a sharper increase in both alcohol use and heavy drinking. These findings held for both males and females. Although some previous studies found that the pubertal effect on alcohol use and abuse dissipated with age, the current study found that the effects of early puberty on alcohol use persisted into young adulthood. Although this persistent effect was significant for both males and females, it was stronger for males. Unlike some previous studies, the current study did not find that individuals who matured later than their peers were more likely to drink alcoholic beverages and engage in heavy drinking. The findings suggest that intervention programs for the prevention of underage drinking should target early maturing adolescents. In 1994-95, approximately 90,000 adolescents completed a brief in-school survey to determine eligibility for the longitudinal study. From these adolescents, 20,745 11-21 year-olds were interviewed in 1995 (Wave I), and approximately 80 percent of them were followed a year later (1996, Wave II). A third wave was conducted in 2001-2002, in which 10,828 Add Health respondents aged 18-28 were reinterviewed. Males and females were fairly equally distributed. Questions about alcohol use and heavy drinking were asked in all three waves. Pubertal development was assessed with three self-reported items included at Wave I. Questions pertained to hair under arms, facial hair, and lower voice for males and breast development, curvaceous body, and age at menstruation for girls. Friends' alcohol use was also assessed. 3 tables, 6 figures, and 50 references