A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests that high school students with higher IQs are more likely to be moderate or heavy drinkers as adults. The study, led by Dr. E. Sherwood Brown, found that for every one-point increase in IQ, there was a 1.6% increase in the odds of reporting moderate or heavy alcohol use. The research was based on data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, which included information on IQ and lifestyle habits from over 10,000 Wisconsin high school seniors born around 1939.
The study authors theorized that individuals with higher IQs may have more stressful jobs, which could lead to heavier drinking. They also suggested that high earners may have more opportunities for social drinking. However, those with higher IQs were less likely to engage in binge drinking, which is defined as five or more drinks in one sitting. The researchers noted that men reported more binge-drinking episodes than women. The findings were published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism in July 2020.
The study highlights the complex relationship between IQ levels and alcohol consumption. While IQ in high school may not directly determine a person’s destiny, it could lead to intervening social factors that influence drinking habits. The researchers emphasized the need for further studies to explore the underlying mechanisms that mediate the relationship between drinking and IQ. They also suggested that a more diverse population sample should be included in future research, as the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study primarily consists of white non-Hispanic individuals.
Some experts caution that excessive drinking can have serious health consequences, including heart and liver disease, stroke, various types of cancer, and a weakened immune system. While moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with certain health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease, many experts now advise against any level of alcohol consumption. The research from UT Southwestern Medical Center adds to the ongoing discussion about the potential risks and benefits of alcohol consumption, particularly in relation to IQ levels and drinking habits over time.
Overall, the study suggests that individuals with higher IQs may be more prone to moderate or heavy drinking as adults, possibly due to factors such as job-related stress and social opportunities for alcohol consumption. While IQ levels in high school may play a role in predicting drinking habits later in life, it is important to consider other contributing factors as well. The findings shed light on the complex interplay between intelligence, socioeconomic status, and alcohol consumption, and underscore the need for further research to better understand these relationships and their potential implications for public health.
