The ages of the earliest alcohol dependence and conduct disorder symptoms were also included in the analyses if present. Alcohol dependence was defined by three or more of the following seven symptoms, including tolerance, the withdrawal syndrome or drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms, drinking larger amounts or over a longer period than intended, persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use, spending a great deal of time obtaining alcohol, drinking, or recovering from hangovers, giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities in favor of drinking, and continued drinking despite physical or psychological problems worsened by drinking (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Conduct disorder was defined as a disruptive behavior diagnosis in which children repeatedly violate the personal or property rights of others and the basic expectations of society (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). It is manifested by the presence of three or more of the following symptoms, including aggression directed to people or animals, destruction or damage of property, deceitfulness or theft, and serious violations of rules. Of note, there were no symptoms of conduct disorder and alcohol dependence that are directly indicative of sexual promiscuity or sexual debut.
