It goes without saying that alcoholism can have an effect on the divorce rate. There are many studies that show the link between alcohol dependence and marriage break-ups. Now, there is new research that shows that alcoholism affects both the time it takes to get married as well as how long the marriage lasts.Alcohol dependence is a strong predictor of delays in deciding to get married and early separation in those marriages.
Researchers at the Indiana University School of Education studied more than 5,000 Australian twins to track their drinking habits and their age at first marriage and age of separation from the marriage. They also looked at the age at onset of alcohol dependence.
Later Start, Sooner End
Lead author Mary Waldron said in her study, ""Alcoholic Marriage: Later Start, Sooner End," the results were clear: there is a strong association between alcoholism and delayed marriages as well as early separation from the marriage.
This is true for both men and women, the study found.
The study also confirmed previous research that shows early onset drinking is one of the best predictors of later alcohol dependence.
The researchers suggest that young adults who drink heavy may want to consider the long-term consequences for marriage. If their heavy drinking patterns continue, it could affect their likelihood of ever getting married or having a lasting marriage.
Waldron said her study proves once again that problem drinking affects more people than just the alcoholic.
Source: Waldron, M, et al. "Alcoholic Marriage: Later Start, Sooner End." Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research. January 2011 Related Information:
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