Alcohol problems can sneak up on people who drink. But there are ways to tell if someone has a higher chance of developing alcoholism or other drinking problems. Check this out:
Having a "risky business" factor does not guarantee that you'll have a problem with alcohol. Some people will and some won't. To lower your risk, here are two smart things to do:

• If you choose to drink, don't start until age 21. Besides being the law, research shows you'll cut your chances of alcoholism compared with people who start younger. How do you hold off until you're 21?
  
  
• When the time comes, drink sensibly. If you choose to drink when you're 21, it's important to avoid drinking patterns that raise the risk for alcohol problems. For adult drinking info, .