NCJ Number
201577
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 47 Issue: 1 Dated: Fall 2001 Pages: 19-30
Date Published
2001
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study assessed the influence of group membership on the use of multiple substances among adolescents.
Abstract
Since adolescent males have been found to have higher rates of use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana, this study selected a sample composed of 1,690 males who were enrolled in grades 10-12 in public schools throughout Alabama. The Adolescent Health Survey was used to determine demographic characteristics, extracurricular participation, salient others, subject's substance use attitudes, and substance use patterns by these salient others. Organized group activity was assessed from responses to three questions that addressed participation in school-sponsored athletic teams, organized exercise outside of school, and clubs and organizations at school or outside of school. Subjects were categorized as participants or non-participants. Loglinear and chi-square procedures were used to analyze the relationship of group membership and each combination of illegal substances. Findings show that participation in recreational activities, club activities, and the combination of school-based sports and clubs yielded significant differences for multiple substance use. These findings suggest that extracurricular activities are associated with a protective effect for multiple substance use; however, the specific factors that influence the decisions of group members or the quantity of contact time within each group were not identified. Other study limitations are noted. 3 tables and 32 references