Alcoholism can start early in life

The study examined surveys of childhood alcohol use from 1990 through 2005. Most children who try alcohol usually take their first sip 8212; or belt down a full drink 8212; between fifth and sixth grades, associate professor of psychiatry and epidemiology John Donovan found.

The surveys he analysed involved children who admitted consuming at least one drink in the past year. Each yearly survey involved responses from 26,000 to 39,000 children. 8220;I don8217;t think that children need to be enticed to try alcohol,8221; said Donovan.

But, he said, role models abound. 8220;Sixty-five percent of adults in this country are drinkers, and many prime-time television programmes have images of drinking. Magazines are filled with ads of alcoholic beverages.8221;

Most studies, Donovan said, focus on college-age students and the phenomenon of binge drinking. But alcohol consumption, he contends, doesn8217;t start at age 18. Early drinking, he said, increases the chances of alcoholism. He also said early exposure to beer and spirits results in problems such as violence, teenage pregnancies and car accidents. Donovan said some parents trigger their children8217;s interest in alcoholic beverages. 8220;I think sometimes parents offer alcohol to children, a sip or a drink. Or, alcohol may be around after an adult party. 8221;