Age of First Drink May Play Bigger Role in Alcoholism Than Genetics

St. Louis, MO (AHN) – The earlier a person takes his first drink, the more chances he or she will become an alcoholic later in life, according to a recent study.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said the age a person starts drinking may be more of a factor in alcoholism than genetics.

The researchers said in a statement that when twins started drinking at an early age, genetic factors contributed significantly to alcohol dependence risk – almost by 90 percent in young drinkers. But in twins who started drinking when they were older, this was far less true.

Some of the latter group did become addicted to alcohol, but their dependence was associated more with environmental factors, the researchers said.

The study’s results will be published in the December issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.

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