Brookhaven Hospital: Mental Health Treatment for Behavioral Health Problems, Chemical Dependency, Eating Disorders, Brain Injuries, and Renewal Christian Treatment and Recovery

Thursday, July 13, 2006 1:19 PM
posted by R. Shock

Alcoholism: Starting Young

A recent study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine has uncovered some shocking data about children and alcoholism. For each year earlier than age 21 individuals started drinking, the greater the risk that they would eventually become alcoholics, researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health reported.

The study focused upon interviews with 43,000 adults aged 18 and over and found that those who started drinking before age 14 were 78% more likely to become alcohol dependent. People in this category were also more likely to experience episodes of alcoholism lasting a year or longer, more likely to exhibit more dependence symptoms, and more likely to develop dependence within 10 years of starting to drink. These associations even transcended boundaries of age, sex, race, ethnicity, educational attainment, marital status, smoking, drug use, and history of antisocial behavior.

Click here to read the full article, courtesy of MedPageToday.com
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Rolf B. Gainer, Ph.D., Diplomate ABDA, is the Chief Executive Office at Brookhaven Hospital and the Vice President of Rehabilitation Institutes of America. Dr. Gainer has been involved in the design and operation of treatment programs since 1977.

Stephen Harnish, MD is the Medical Director of Brookhaven Hospital. Dr. Harnish is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and is well known in Oklahoma for his informative radio and television appearances.

Aric Thorpe, MHR, is Brookhaven Hospital's Pastoral Liaison Representative. He conducts the quarterly Minister's Lifeline series and provides mental health information to pastors and clergy.

Sarah McGee serves as the Community Education Provider for Brookhaven Hospital. She provides information on mental health and drug and alcohol treatment to healthcare professionals in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

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