New findings published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research show that both the time it takes to get married, as well as the overall length of the marriage, are seriously impacted by alcoholism.

An April 2011 study found that alcohol dependence was a strong predictor of both delays in marriage and early separation. It was also found that genetic influences contributed to these associations for both men and women. According to Mary Waldron, an assistant professor at the Indiana University School of Education and lead author, the results of this study underscore the fact that problem drinking affects more people than simply the alcoholic.

“Young adults who drink alcohol may want to consider the longer-term consequences for marriage,” said Waldron. “If drinking continues or increases to levels of problem use, likelihood of marriage, or of having a lasting marriage, may decrease.”