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Drinking alone in adolescence can increase the risk of alcohol use disorders later in life, especially in women, a new study has found.
The results of a study published in the July issue of the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependencewarn of the risk of early alcohol dependence.
60% higher risk in young adults who drink alone
The social context of alcohol consumption in adolescence may be a predictor of alcohol consumption in adulthood.
“Most young people who drink do so with others in particular social contexts, but a large minority of young people drink alone. However, the “solitary” consumption of alcohol is a major risk factor for future disorders linked to alcohol consumption” said lead author Kasey Creswell, an associate professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University.
To arrive at this observation, the scientists interviewed about 4,500 teenagers (aged 18) through several surveys. The questions concerned their modes of alcohol consumption and the fact that they are surrounded (or not) during this consumption.
The participants were then followed for 17 years. Throughout the test, they provided information on their alcohol consumption at different ages in life (23, 24, 35, etc.).
Result: adolescents and young adults who confided in “drinking alone” presented a significant risk of developing symptoms of alcohol use disorders in adulthood (alcohol intoxication, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, chronic pain, insomnia…) compared to people who only drank in groups.
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Late alcoholism: women are more affected
In total, the risks of disorders at age 35 were 35% higher in adolescents who drank alone and 60% higher in young adults who drank alone – compared to people who drank in a group.
Also, the people most affected by this problem of late drinking seemed to be young adolescent women.
For scientists, these results suggest that information and education work should be carried out among the youngest, especially women.