This work explored whether college students first intoxicated by alcohol at ages younger than 19 years are more likely to become alcohol dependent and frequent heavy drinkers, drive after drinking, ride with intoxicated drivers, and be injured after drinking. The study also looked into whether these results occur because these students believe they can drink more and still drive legally and safely. 14,138 full-time, 4-yr students from a random sample of 119 colleges and universities in the U.S. completed self-administered questionnaires. 12,550 subjects aged 19+ yrs were asked the age at which they first got drunk, as well as about recent alcohol-related behaviors and consequences. Compared with subjects first drunk at 19+ yrs, those first drunk prior to age 19 were significantly more likely to be alcohol dependent and frequent heavy drinkers, to report driving after any drinking, driving after 5+ drinks, riding with a driver who was high on drugs or drunk and, after drinking, sustaining injuries requiring medical attention. Subjects first intoxicated at younger ages believed they could consume more drinks and still drive safely and legally, contributing to a greater likelihood of driving after drinking and riding with high or drunk drivers.
Abstract