NCJ Number
196623
Journal
Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: 2002 Pages: 1-15
Date Published
2002
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Family-based variables, as predictors of adolescent substance use and abuse, were explored in this study.
Abstract
This journal article presents a study of family-based variables as predictors of adolescent substance use and abuse. After introducing the issue of adolescent use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and other drugs, the author provides a literature review of risk and protective factors associated with adolescent substance use. The research sample used in this study comprised 4,938 adolescents, selected for data analysis, from the State of Utah. Answers to survey questions, designed to measure the type and frequency of substance use and abuse by adolescents, were submitted to logistic regression analysis. Family-based variables such as parental education level, ethnic background, religious affiliation, sibling substance abuse, family conflict, and family involvement were analyzed as predictors of adolescent substance use and abuse. Findings indicate that sibling substance use, family involvement, and religious affiliation were effective predictors of adolescent substance use and abuse. The author concludes that this research supports prior research suggesting that family-based variables influence adolescent substance use. Tables, references