Citation

Bergen-Cico DK, Lape ME. J. Child Adolesc. Subst. Abuse 2013; 22(3): 235-253.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1067828X.2012.733591

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Alcohol and marijuana are the most commonly used psychoactive substances; however, the sequencing and relationship between age of first use and continued current problematic use among college-bound emerging adults is not well understood.

METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of current and historical alcohol and marijuana use among college-bound recent high school graduates (N = 1,365; age [approximately equal to]18 years).

RESULTS: Drinking was prevalent (78%, N = 1,055) and marijuana use was prevalent (46%, N = 622). Stepwise logistical regression revealed the lower the age of first use, the higher the prevalence of current problematic substance use. Those who initiate alcohol [less than or equal to] 12 are twice as likely to currently use marijuana frequently. A significant relationship was found between age of first use and non-social substance use (drinking, p = 0.0001; marijuana, p = 0.0025). The temporal ordering of substance use indicates that alcohol precedes marijuana use, and age of first alcohol use is relevant to rates of initiation and current marijuana use.

Language: en