Child drinking link to alcoholism

Children who are introduced to alcohol at an early age are more likely to become addicted in later life.

When under 15 a young persons brain is very likely to link drinking with pleasure.

Most children have tasted alcohol by the age of 7 according to new research.

The NHS Information Centre poll found that in the 11 to 15-year-olds group 640,000 reported having had alcohol in the previous seven days.

In the under 18's group almost 1 in 10 who were admitted to hospital did so due to alcohol related problems.

Research is starting to show that those who first drink under the age of 15 years are 50% more likely to develop alcohol dependency problems than those who abstain until over 18 years.

29th September 2008

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