It is estimated that up to 1.3 million children in the UK (one in eleven) are growing up in households affected by alcohol misuse.

Several studies have show that having alcoholic parents escalates the risk of alcoholism and substance abuse in teenagers. Specifically, parental alcoholism has been associated with both an early onset of drinking and with persistent alcohol abuse throughout adulthood.

In addition, children of alcoholics do not follow the typical trend by which individuals are expected to "mature out" and decline in drug use before age 30.

"The development of alcoholism among individuals with a family history of alcoholism is about four to eight times more common than it is among individuals with no such family history," comments behavioural scientist William R. Lovallo.

He added that the risk is greater in men, especially when coupled with behavioural disinhibition, characterised by an increased sensitivity to immediate rewards rather than long-term satisfaction and a failure to consider and inhibit behaviour when bad consequences are the most likely outcome.

Those high in behavioural disinhibition are probably more likely to experiment with substance use earlier, because they are less inhibited by the prospect of negative consequences and less likely to learn to moderate their consumption once they have initiated use. Some research suggests that the presence of a family history of alcoholism amplifies this risk.

Research has even shown that people with a family history of alcoholism may develop a tolerance that causes them to drink more to feel the same effects.

"While their breath alcohol levels were being held constant, the subjects with a family history of alcoholism adapted to the effects of alcohol," said researcher Dr. Sandra Morzorati of a recent study. "They had developed what is known as acute tolerance to alcohol."

Alcohol and Teenagers

Teens consume more alcohol than all other drugs put together. Almost 75 per cent of teenage deaths are associated with behavioural health risks, most of which are alcohol-related.

Excessive alcohol consumption and especially binge drinking during a teenager’s developmental years may also have long-lasting implications, having detrimental effects on the development of the adolescent brain. It can also create an extreme alcohol tolerance that may last into adulthood.

"A substantial number of studies have shown that the earlier individuals start using alcohol, the more likely they are to have alcohol-related problems in adulthood,” said psychobiology professor Linda Patia Spear. She added that adolescent alcohol exposure influences later sensitivity to alcohol.

As early detection and intervention is important, parents of teenagers should look out for telltale signs of an alcohol problem such as smelling of booze, increased moodiness and secrecy, discipline problems, a decrease in school or sporting performance, depression and ignoring old friends or suddenly socialising with new ones.

Read More

Understanding Alcohol: Find out more about alcohol and its affects on the body.

Alcoholism - The Signs: Find out what to look for to see if someone you know is an alcoholic.

Alcohol: The Health Dangers: Understand the Health risks involved with heavy drinking.

Alcohol & Driving: Know your limits.

Drinking & Depression: Understand how drinking can cause depression in certain people.

Alcohol and Pregnancy: Information and advice on how much you can drink when pregnant and the health effects.

Alcohol & Family Life: How drinking can affect your family life, plus information on teenage drinking.