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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- People who get hooked on alcohol before age 25 are significantly more likely to face a lifetime of dependency, reveals a new study.
Results from a telephone survey of nearly 4,800 people who said they had a drinking problem show the odds of seeking treatment for alcohol abuse are significantly lower in people who developed a drinking problem before age 25. The odds were higher for those who didn't face alcohol abuse until 30 or later -- despite the fact that younger dependency also leads to longer and more frequent episodes of alcoholism and more symptoms of the condition.
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"Early onset of drinking predicts early onset of dependence, which in turn is associated with chronic, relapsing dependence," reports Ralph W. Hingson, M.D., who conducted the research with colleagues at the Boston University School of Public Health.
The group believes more needs to be done to reach young drinkers before the problem gets out of hand. "Screening and brief motivational counseling can reduce alcohol-related problems among adolescents and college students who are heavy drinkers and needs to be expanded," writes Dr. Hingson.
Results reveal it will be a big job. Nearly half of the people questioned reported becoming dependent on alcohol before age 21, and around two-thirds were hooked prior to their 25th birthdays. Just 20 percent of the participants said they developed a drinking problem after turning 30.
The authors conclude, "Research is urgently needed to identify ways to prevent development of alcohol dependence, particularly at an early age."
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Pediatrics, 2006;118:6755-6763
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