Study: Teen Alcohol Use Predicts Adult ViolenceOctober 22, 2001
Research Summary
A new study found that early teen drinkers are more likely to be involved in alcohol-related violence as adults, Reuters reported Oct. 18.The study, conducted by researchers at Boston University, involved more than 42,000 Americans aged 18 and older.
The research revealed that those who started drinking before age 17 were three to four times more likely to have been in a fight after drinking alcohol at some time in their lives compared to adults who began drinking after age 21.
"Whether there is a direct causal relation between alcohol use and violence is still a subject of investigation. The good news is that there are things that can be done," such as providing addiction treatment and brief counseling by health-care workers, said Dr. Ralph Hingson, the study's lead author.
The study is published in the October issue of Pediatrics.
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