http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Ftidsskriftet.no%2Farticle%2F2951887%2FFrom the research report:
Alcohol abstinence - a risk group?
---------------------------------------
BACKGROUND Abstinence from alcohol has been associated with higher mortality than moderate alcohol consumption. Much indicates that the abstentions are a selected group of various psychosocial risk factors.
MATERIALS AND METHODS A population-based sample (N = 1978) from the study Young in Norway Longitudinal were followed with repeated surveys from teens to those approaching 30 years. This data set was connected to different registers. Information was obtained on such alcohol use, social integration, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and sexual behavior. Through records were obtained information about receiving Social Security benefits.
RESULTS At age 21, 211 people (10.7%) had been abstinent from alcohol throughout life. At 28 years, the number dropped to 93 persons (4.7%). At 21 years abstinence associated with weak network of friends, loneliness and increased likelihood of not having intercourse debut. At 28 years reported abstaining in addition increased prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression. They also had higher receipt of benefits.
INTERPRETATION Alcohol Abstinence in young adulthood is associated with poor integration and psychosocial problems. This may be confounding factors in studies on the positive health effects of alcohol consumption.
