Youth who drink before the age of 15 are?

Answer 1

Some people believe that early exposure to alcohol while the brain and emotional system are still developing (until around 19 or 20) makes addiction to alcohol more likely. Others hold that kids who start drinking early are more likely to come from dysfunctional families with a predisposition towards addiction. Although the jury is still out on the reasons, there is no question about the basic answer: Yes.

Answer 2

Young people who drink before the age of fifteen are four times more likely to become alcohol dependent (alcoholics) on average.

There are two major factors: possible genetic predisposition, and alteration of connections in the developing brains of young people, whose brains do not finish maturing until the early 20's. The relative importance of these factors is still under discussion.

It is safe to say that people who come from families with drinkers in the previous two generations would be well-served to abstain from alcohol until after they are 21, and then -- if they choose to drink -- to monitor their behavior carefully for signs of developing dependence.

Answer 3

Such a correlation is often presented to argue that people under the age of 21 shouldn't drink. However,

(1) the average of the onset of drinking around the world is 12 and the evidence does not suggest that such individuals are more likely to suffer alcohol dependence. And Jews, Greeks, Italisns, Portuguese, Spaniards and mandy others regularly begin drinking at a very early age and alcohol dependence is low among those groups, and

(2) research strongly suggests that people who are going to have a drinking problem tend to begin drinking at an early age rather than the other way around.

In short, there is no good evidence that beginning to drink at an early age CAUSES later dependence.

Answer 4

Any addiction that is started younger will lead to dependency. Waiting until you are 21 brings added maturity and hopefully responsibility.

Answer 5

People who drink before the age of 15 are breaking the laws of many countries. However, the average age around the world at which drinking begins is 12.

Answer 6

Statistically, that is true. The causative factors remain in question.

Answer 7

A 15 year old who drinks is likely already alcohol dependent. A 15 year old who's had a drink or two in total, probably are not.

Answer 8

usually more adventuresome