Medical News Today reported July 22 that researcher Marc Schuckit, M.D., of the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System recently conducted a study on 12- and 13-year-olds who had previous experience with alcohol. The study found that while most of the youths consumed only one or two drinks at a time, a significant number had four to six drinks at a sitting.

"When children with a family history of alcohol dependence begin drinking, about half of them experience little or no intoxication at blood-alcohol levels where others would be feeling moderately tipsy," said Schuckit. "Consequently, these adolescents have a propensity to drink more heavily when they drink, because higher blood-alcohol levels are required to produce the effects they want."

Schuckit said the findings provide important clues to researchers seeking a genetic link to overconsumption of alcohol. "The study offers a unique perspective on the beginnings of the alcohol experience and usage patterns of 12-year-olds," he said. "This is the first study correlating the intensity of reaction to alcohol with the amount of alcohol consumed at an early age."

"The more we understand about the causes of alcohol dependence and the contributing genes, the more likely we will be able to identify tailored prevention and better evaluate treatments once alcoholism develops," added Schuckit.

Schuckit presented his findings at the American Medical Association's recent media briefing on "Alcohol Dependence: From Science to Solutions." The study was published in the July 2005 issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 200 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for everyone, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, focused, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.
   
   
2. Do not post personal requests for help or general promotions for your organization (Get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.