Teenagers who binge drink with friends may end up earning more money later in life.
Researchers at the University of Oslo tracked more than 3,000 Norwegians aged 13 to 31 over 18 years and found that those who drank regularly in their late teens and twenties went on to have higher levels of education and income than those who rarely drank or abstained altogether.
Lead expert Professor Willy Pedersen told The Times newspaper: “The statistical findings are quite strong, so clearly significant.
“The most likely explanation is that all alcohol is a kind of marker of sociality and that habit comes with some types of benefits.”
The boffin also argues that booze can help individuals build both connections and confidence.
He wrote in the Afterposten newspaper: “Alcohol intoxication can make us lower our guard, and that can be useful in many areas of life.”
While the study highlights possible social benefits of moderate drinking, researchers emphasised it should not be seen as encouragement for teens to drink — noting that alcohol remains a major public health concern worldwide.
