Early Drinking Onset and Its Association with Alcohol Use and Problem Behavior in Late Adolescence

The findings suggest that early onset of alcohol use (by age 12) is associated with subsequent abuse of alcohol and related problem behaviors in later adolescence, including alcohol-related violence, injuries, drinking and driving, and absenteeism from school or work, as well as increased risks for using other drugs.

Abstract

This paper identifies the preadolescent years from age 10 to 12 as a particularly vulnerable period for the development of early alcohol dependence and abuse. Delaying alcohol use onset to age 13 may significantly reduce the risk of severe alcohol abuse in later adolescence.