The finding in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research finds that, if you had your first taste of alcohol at a young age, you may be at increased risk in later life for heavier drinking under stress.
Researchers studied more than 300 people, their drinking habits, and stressful events in their lives. The results: the earlier someone drank alcohol, and the higher levels of stress they had, the more alcohol they consumed.
Authors say this highlights the importance of prevention programs and may help identify those at risk for alcohol abuse.
