Aim was to investigate longitudinally for both genders the relation between the age of onset of drinking and several indicators of alcohol use.

In the Finnish Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development, data have been collected by interviews, inventories, and questionnaires. Data on alcohol consumption was gathered at ages 14, 20, 27, 36 and 42 years; behavioural data at age 8.

Early onset of drinking was related to the four indicators of the use of alcohol in adulthood both in men and women. The level of adult alcohol use and alcohol problems was significantly higher in men. The risk for heavy drinking was highest in men and women if drinking was started at less than age 16 years. Socio-emotional behaviour and school success at age 8 did not predict the age of onset of drinking.

Keywords: Adolescent, Adult, Alcohol, Alcohol Drinking, Alcoholism, Follow-Up Studies, Male, Female

Avain-/asiasanat: nuori, aikuinen, alkoholi, alkoholismi, alkoholinkäyttö, pitkittäistutkimus, miehet, naiset