Delaying the start of alcohol drinking might curb subsequent rates of alcohol-related injuries.
Interviews with a representative sampling of the U.S. adult population suggest a link between "starting to drink at an early age and not only unintentionally injuring oneself while under the influence of alcohol, but with injuring other people, Dr. Ralph W. Hingson told Reuters Health.
Drinking onset at 16 and younger, versus 21 and older, appears to double the likelihood of alcohol-related driving or unintentional injuries, as well as the risk for alcohol dependence or abuse, the investigators report.
Source: Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5545BY20090605
