Early childhood behaviour 'predicts' drink and drug use

Behaviour in children as young as three could predict drink and illicit drug use during adolescent years, a new study has found.

Researchers from Idaho and Michigan State universities and the University of Michigan monitored 514 children of alcoholics and matched control families from the age of three to 14.

Factors such as their ability to control their impulses and behaviour and flexibility to adapt to environmental demands were monitored every three years and in adolescence the participants provided information on their drink and drug use.

The study, which is published in the July/August issue of the journal Child Development, found that children with lower levels of behavioural control and flexibility between the ages of three and five were more likely to drink at an early age, have more alcohol-related problems and to have used drugs.

Children who demonstrated higher levels of flexibility were less likey to drink or take drugs and were also less likely to show signs of sadness, anxiety, aggressiveness or delinquent behaviour.

Lead researcher Professor Maria Wong said that the findings were significant as they proved the link between childhood behaviour and drinking and drug habits.

"These findings are very important because we know that early drinking (at age 14 or earlier) is associated with a greater likelihood for alcohol abuse or dependence in adulthood," she said.

"If early childhood behaviours such as behavioural control and resiliency put individuals at risk for alcohol and drug use, then programs aimed at changing those behaviours at an early age may protect individuals from experimenting with drugs and alcohol later on."

According to government statistics, the number of alcohol-related deaths in England and Wales has increased in previous years, rising from 5,970 in 2001 to 6,580 in 2003. Deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales rose to 2,598 in 2004 – a six per cent increase from the previous year.

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