NCJ Number
210464
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 35 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2005 Pages: 281-306
Date Published
2005
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This study examined transitions in the use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana from late adolescence through young adulthood.
Abstract
The period between late adolescence and early adulthood has been referred to as the period of emerging adulthood and is characterized by a high prevalence of drug use. The purpose of the current study was to test a previously proposed “stage-of-life” hypothesis that states that high rates of heavy drinking among college students reflect a “stage-of-life” phenomenon because nonstudent age-matched peers also display high rates of alcohol consumption. Data was drawn from a longitudinal study of adolescent and young adult development that collected information at ages 18, 21, and 30 years. Participants for the current analysis were 326 college men and women who were compared to 221 noncollege men and women on measures of substance use, including past year alcohol and marijuana use. Results of statistical analyses indicated that individuals who transition out of high school report higher rates of substance use compared to their high school peers, regardless of their college attendance status. Additionally, nonstudent participants reported higher levels of substance abuse during emerging adulthood and more problematic alcohol and marijuana use in adolescence and young adulthood. The findings suggest that nonstudents are an important target group for intervention programs aimed at emerging adults. Future studies should attempt to replicate the current findings using larger samples and controlling for additional confounding lifestyle characteristics. Tables, figures, references