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Majority of Alcoholics Are Young Adults

Study splits drinkers into 5 categories; 2 largest are in 20s

By Dustin Lushing, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 2, 2007 12:02 PM CDT

(Newser) – More than half of all alcoholics in the United States are young adults, reveals a new study that surveyed 1,484 US adults. The study, reported by CBS, divided problem drinkers into five types. Despite the stereotype of the alcoholic as middle-aged, the average age in the two largest groups—together comprising 52%—was mid-20s.

The "young adult" category, accounting for 31%, averages 24 years old, and includes those who don't drink every day but are regular bingers. "Young antisocial" drinkers account for 21%, average age 26, usually start drinking early—by 15—and get dependent by 18.

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Majority of Alcoholics Are Young Adults