Personality and Behavior Styles Developed by Age 5 May Predict Teen Alcohol Use

Because there is a genetic component in risk for development of alcoholism, individuals with a family history (blood relatives) of alcoholism as well as those in alcoholism recovery themselves are naturally concerned about the risks of development of alcohol (or other drug) problems in their own children. In a recent study (Dick, D., et al. (2013). Adolescent alcohol use is predicted by childhood temperament factors before age 5, with mediation through personality and peers. Alcoholism:Clinical and Experimental Research. doi:10.1111/acer.12206), researchers identified personality and temperament factors that were apparent in children before the age of five that were correlated with their later use of alcohol by the age of 15. This study is is also relevant due to the fact that commencing alcohol use at a young age is shown by research to be strongly associated with development of alcohol use disorders at an older age.

Using data from over 12,000 children, ages 6 months through age 5, the researchers found:

1) "...temperament characteristics found in very early childhood are significantly associated with alcohol use more than 15 years later. ***Children who are rated as consistently sociable through age 5 and children who are rated as having consistent emotional and conduct difficulties through age 5 both show elevated rates of alcohol problems at age 15."

2) Children who were sociable had problems because of their being outgoing and sensation seeking. Those with emotional and conduct difficulties had problems because they were less concientious and emotionally stressed.

So, what is to be learned here? Basically this study merely adds some data to the effect that temperament and behavior causing problems even before the age of five can be significant in terms of future, potentially problematic behaviors such as early alcohol use.

What is a parent to do? A consistent, truthful, age appropriate message to children about their family histories of alcoholism and the risks they run should they drink can be helpful. Ensuring that children are involved in healthy positive activities (for ex., sports, clubs), have a positive, respectful relationship with parents and peers, are successful in school, and learn to be assertive and that it's OK to be themselves, have been shown to be useful in preventing destructive behaviors including early alcohol (and other drug) use. As always, comments are invited. Jan Edward Williams, www.alcoholdrugsos.com. 07/24/2013.