Frequent alcohol consumption causes problems with alcohol and drug use in adulthood, study finds

Problems of alcohol consumption and substance abuse in adulthood can be attributed to the frequent consumption of Australian adolescents

Research suggests that those who drink once a week before the age of 17 years drink, drink and drive

Nine thousand New Zealanders and Australians aged 13 to 30 years took part in the study to provide evidence on the causal link between consumption of alcohol in adolescents and related problems in adulthood

. that there is no direct relationship between adolescent alcohol use and negative psychosocial outcomes, such as sexual risk-taking, early parenthood, and health problems mental health

. Universities of New South Wales, Melbourne and Queensland.

Associate Professor Joe Boden of the University of Otago says the study provides "solid evidence This report highlights several areas for possible reform of alcohol laws, in particular, to increase the minimum age of purchase.

Boden suggested that delaying when teens begin to drink could have a significant impact on alcohol consumption.the impact on the reduction of problems to occur later in life

The results of the study were also published in the international journal, Addiction .

L & # 39; study also found:

• Those who drank at least once a week before the age of 17 had alcohol dependence rates three times higher than those who did not drink alcohol. Drank not before the age of 17.

• Drink at least once a week Before 17 years old 60% of cigarettes in adulthood

• Weekly drinkers before the age of 17 had a drunk driving rate at almost adulthood three times higher than those who do not drink before the age of 17. During adolescence, weekly alcohol consumption during adolescence also increased by about 80% compared to those who had not consumed alcohol during adolescence. alcohol before the age of 17