Alcohol use in early teens is linked to a higher risk of early death

Specialists have discovered a link between life expectancy and alcohol consumption during teenage years. Abusing alcohol before turning fifteen almost doubles the risk of early death.

Scientists from a university in Florida studied almost 15,000 people. They demonstrated that alcohol consumption after the age of 15 increases the risk of premature death by 20 percent.

The research, which began in 1980, included individuals aged 15 to 47 who were asked about their alcohol habits and the age they started drinking. The data obtained were studied for a long period. The analysis lasted three decades.

Although the causes remain uncertain and future studies are warranted, findings from this study suggest that early drunkenness is a strong predictor for premature mortality and can be used to identify high-risk populations for interventions - says the lead author of the study, Dr. Hui Hu.

The statistics are alarming. 37 percent of people who drank before the age of 15 suffer from alcoholism in adulthood. In contrast, among those who did not drink in their youth, the percentage of alcoholics is only 11 percent. Researchers from Florida emphasize that early alcohol consumption can lead to the development of tendencies toward risky behaviours.

During the study, 26 percent of people who drank in their youth died. For comparison, 23 percent of those who started drinking later died, and 19 percent of non-drinkers died. The reason is apparent. Scientists unanimously point out that the leading cause of earlier deaths is alcoholism.

Consuming alcohol at a young age affects a range of health-related problems. Abusing high-proof drinks significantly disrupts the maturation process and hinders the proper functioning of the nervous system.