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September 27, 2009
Early drinking may jump-start genetic predisposition to alcohol dependency, researchers say.
HealthDay (9/18, McKeever) reported that, according to a study published online Sept. 18 and to appear in the December print issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, adolescents "who start drinking before age 15 could jump-start any genetic conditions they might have that predispose them to developing alcohol dependency."
Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine analyzed data on "6,257 adult twins" and found that "the younger people were when they had their first drink, especially if that occurred before age 15, the more symptoms of alcohol dependency they developed." In addition, "early drinkers also tended to have an increased genetic vulnerability for alcohol."
Related Links:
- With Alcohol, Starting Young May Lead to Dependency
," HealthDay, September 18, 2009.
Posted by admin at September 27, 2009 07:55 PM