An analysis of the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health concludes that individuals who began drinking in their teens are more likely to have alcohol dependence or misuse problems as adults, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).According to the survey of 70,000 people, individuals who first used alcohol before age 15 were five times more likely to later become dependent on alcohol or have alcohol-related problems, such as trouble with the law due to alcohol or physical dangers.
“We now know the passage to alcohol abuse and dependence often begins during childhood and adolescence,” said SAMHSA Administrator Charles Curie. “Research has shown that alcohol dependence, while once thought to be an adult-onset disease, is actually developmental in nature. That is why underage-drinking prevention programs are a priority at SAMHSA.”
According to theof the 14 million adults aged 21 or older who were classified as having alcohol dependence or misuse in the past year, 95 percent had started drinking before age 21.
The data also showed that alcohol misuse and addiction were higher among people who started drinking at an e
Source. “Alcohol Dependence or Abuse and Age of First Use” Report, SAMHSA October 2004