Middle school students who use alcohol are more likely to attempt suicide than non-drinkers, according to a new study from Georgia State University.

• Researchers looked at the results of a survey of more than 150,000 students in the sixth, eighth, 10th, and 12th grades about their drug and alcohol use.
  
• About 15 percent said they started drinking before they were 13 years old.
  
• The group that started drinking before age 13 was at higher risk for suicide.

"The kids who start drinking early probably have problems in other parts of their lives, such as family dysfunction, mental health and anxiety, with family environment being the biggest driver" said Dr. Monica Swahn, associate dean for research in the College of Health and Human Sciences at GSU.

Labels: adolescence, alcohol, preteens, suicide