Risk Factors for Problematic Drinking in One’s Thirties and Forties: A Longitudinal Analysis of the 1970 British Cohort Study

Alcohol drinking and risk factors for problematic drinking may vary across a lifespan. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for problematic drinking in men and women in their thirties and forties. Alcohol drinking and potential risk factors for problematic drinking were assessed at ages 30, 34, 42, and 46 in the 1970 British Cohort Study. Multilevel models included 10,079 observations in 3880 men and 9241 observations in 3716 women. In men, formerly smoking, currently smoking, having a degree, having malaise, and having a mother who drank while pregnant were independently associated with increased risk of problematic drinking. In women, formerly smoking, currently smoking, being physically active in one’s leisure time, having a degree, having a managerial or professional occupation, having malaise, and having a mother who drank while pregnant were independently associated with increased risk of problematic drinking. In men and women, cohabiting as a couple was associated with decreased risk of problematic drinking. This study suggests that several risk factors may be associated with problematic drinking in men and women in their thirties and forties. Policy makers should consider the role of modifiable risk factors in the prevention of problematic drinking.