The magnitude of excess risk reported in this study was smaller than that reported in an earlier analysis of a Canadian sample (DeWit et al., 2000), which controlled for a nearly identical range of childhood factors. Several factors may account for the discrepancy. First, the Canadian study used a slightly older reference category of AFD, ages 19 or older. Second, it examined lifetime prevalence of AUD, whereas the current study ruled out cases of abuse or dependence that began prior to the Wave 1 NESARC, including adolescent-onset disorders. Finally, the Canadian study did not control for family history or for mood, anxiety and personality disorders. In this study, the OR for early AFD declined sharply after these controls were added. The fact that we found a significant association between AFD and the incidence of AUD even after adjusting for these additional risk factors speaks to the robustness of this association.
