Among adults, drinking patterns differ by age and gender. Diagnoses of abuse and dependence peak at approximately 16.8% for individuals ages 18–25. Prevalence rates for AUDs decrease with age, with 6.2% of adults 26 years or older and only 1.3% of those over age 64 meeting criteria for abuse or dependence (SAMHSA, 2008). Many purport that this rise in problematic use during early adulthood is related to increased autonomy and fewer environmental restrictions (e.g., Chen & Kandel, 1995). Further, the decline in problematic drinking observed by the mid-20s is largely impacted by increased responsibility due to life transitions, such as regular employment, marriage, and parenthood (Zucker, Fitzgerald, & Moses, 1995).
