One-fourth of adults who were ever alcohol dependent sought help or treatment for a reason related to their drinking at some point in their life, according to a recent analysis of data from the National Epidemiologic Study of Alcohol Related Conditions (NESARC).

Among those who sought help, those with earlier onset of alcohol dependence took longer to do so. Thirty-one percent of persons who became dependent before age 18 waited 10 years or more after the onset of dependence to seek help or treatment, compared to 10% of those who became dependent at age 30 or older.

Yet adults first dependent at an earlier age were significantly more likely to have had multiple dependence episodes, episodes exceeding one year, and more dependence symptoms.

The authors conclude that "adolescents need to be screened and counseled about alcohol, and treatment services should be reinforced by programs and policies to delay age of first alcohol dependence."

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