Alcoholism more common in risk-taking men

Previous research has shown that individuals with a family history of alcoholism have an increased risk of developing the condition themselves. Now, a new study has found that risk-taking behavior and male sex further increases this risk.

“There are some well-known risk factors for alcoholism that can help individuals recognize that they are at higher risk than others,” study author Dr. William R. Lovallo, of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Oklahoma City, told Reuters Health.

“In this case, that knowledge can be used wisely by parents and teachers to try to insulate young persons and help them get through their early adult years without developing an alcohol or drug problem,” he added.

Lovallo and colleagues studied 175 nonalcoholic men and women between 18 and 30 years old, half of whom had a family history of alcoholism. All participated in a test of working memory and a test to evaluate whether they were safe or risky gamblers. Scores on both tests have previously been associated with alcoholism risk.

The two groups did not differ in their level of monthly alcohol drinking, but those with a family history of alcohol abuse showed less behavioral control, had lower educational achievement, poorer regulation of their moods and riskier patterns of substance abuse.

Furthermore, nearly half of the study participants with a family history of alcoholism exhibited less behavioral inhibition and antisocial tendencies, according to scores on a sociability test, which evaluated acting spontaneously without thought of the consequences or the feeling of others. In contrast, about 20 percent of those without a family history of alcoholism scored low in sociability.

Study participants with a family history and behavioral disinhibition also seemed to have deficits in their working memory, Lovallo and his team report in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research.

Men with a family history and behavioral disinhibition appeared to base their gambling decisions primarily on potential monetary rewards, while those without a family history took potential losses into account as well and consequently made more balanced decisions.

“So, if you come from a family with alcoholism, and you also tend to like to take risks, break rules, etc., which are all part of behavioral disinhibition, you should be aware that you’re manifesting some high-risk characteristics,” Lovallo said in a statement.

While individuals with all of these risk factors may have a higher risk of developing alcoholism, not all of them will become alcoholic, the researcher noted.

“I want parents to remember that these factors do not mean that a given person will have a bad outcome in life, but it is reason for focusing some attention on given individuals,” Lovallo told Reuters Health. “Some kids need more attention to help them develop the life skills needed to get through difficult times and to not turn to alcohol or drugs to help them through,” he added.

SOURCE: Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, May 2006.

Print Version
Tell-a-Friend