Teens who were Exposed to Alcohol at the Age of 14 years are More Likely to Binge Drink: Study

Teens who were introduced to alcohol at the age of 14 years are more likely to binge drink, warns a study.

Teens are susceptible to developing addiction to drugs, alcohol and other mind-altering substances. Canadian experts from the University of Vermont suggest early exposure to alcoholic drinks increases the risk of heavy drinking behavior in future. They found early alcohol experience of individuals helps trace their likelihood of binge drinking in the future.

Past clinical trials hold a person's genetic factors, brain health, family background and attributes like intense desire to try out new things or seek sensation can influence drinking behavior. The current research used data of more than 2,000 teens and had 70 percent accuracy in identifying 14-year-olds who would binge drinking by age 16.

The study also noted intake of one alcoholic beverage by adolescents at the age of 14 was fueled by their impulsiveness and need to take risks. This is a valid and the most accurate predictor of binge drinking. Those had their second drink after six months or much later were less likely to binge drink.

"Just delaying people drinking by six months or a year is actually a very, very substantial intervention that would have vast beneficial consequences," said Hugh Garavan, study author and researcher from the University of Vermont in Canada, reports the Telegraph.

In addition, it was observed that the brain structure of teens also played a significant role in binge drinking habits. Bigger brain size is an indicator of less development in the brain and immaturity. Many 14-year-olds with big brains reported getting drunk frequently after trying out their first glass of wine or beer.

Human brain undergoes variations and developments during pubescent age which can be hampered by drinking and smoking. These findings remind parents and teens about the health dangers of overindulging in alcohol at a young age.

"This work will inform the development of specific early interventions in carriers of the risk profile to reduce the incidence of adolescent substance abuse," said Gunter Schumann, co-author and researcher from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, reports the Telegraph.

More information is available online in the journal Nature.