As expected from previous studies, a family history of alcoholism in this analysis was shown to have a substantial effect on the development of alcohol dependence over the life span. In addition, the age at onset of drinking was a powerful predictor of lifetime alcohol dependence, regardless of family history status, race, or gender. Although these findings highlight the importance of early onset drinking and a family history of alcoholism in the development of subsequent alcohol dependence, they cannot explain why or how these two factors relate to alcohol dependence.
