Young binge drinkers more likely to have higher incomes and educations, according to study
New research suggests that binge drinking in youth may be linked to greater career success and higher income later in life.
While alcohol is known to cause serious long-term health issues like liver disease and cancer, the study found a correlation between heavy drinking in young people and elevated levels of education and earnings.
Norwegian sociologist Willy Pedersen, in his book The Beauty and Pain of Drugs, argues that substances including alcohol may help young people socially by lowering inhibitions and easing awkwardness in social settings.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.He said: “It’s obviously not the fact that (if) you drink alcohol, that it sort of comes into your body and does something with your brain,” The Times reported.
“The most likely explanation is that all alcohol is a kind of marker of sociality and that habit comes with some types of benefits.”
Over 18 years, Pedersen and colleagues tracked the drinking habits of more than 3,000 Norwegians aged 13 to 31. Those who regularly binge drank in late adolescence and early adulthood achieved higher education and income compared to light or non-drinkers.
“There is a correlation,” he said. “The statistical findings are quite strong, so clearly significant.”
Pedersen referenced Oxford University’s Bullingdon Club, known as an elite all-male drinking society with members including former prime ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron.
While the association between drinking and success exists, the study acknowledges that it could reflect the privileged paths those who binge drink often already travel, like those in the Bullingdon Club.
Though drinking in youth may bring some social advantages, Pedersen warns against alcoholism or solitary drinking, with no evidence supporting that these lead to success.
Linda Granlund, director of public health at Norway’s Directorate of Health, emphasised alcohol’s risks despite its social roles: “I will encourage reduction. If you have a high alcohol intake, reduce it. And if you have a low intake, you should still consider if it could be lowered,” she said.
“Lower intake means higher life expectancy and lower risk of illness. Every glass you choose to skip is good for your health,” she told The Times.
