Changes in drug use from high school to young adulthood: Effects of living arrangement and current life pursuit

Abstract

Using longitudinal data, this study traces changes in drug use patterns from adolescence to young adulthood, and examines these changes in terms of role socialization theory. In high school, 479 students reported their frequency of use for a variety of drug substances. Four years later, they again responded to the same set of drug use questions, indicated their current life pursuit and living arrangements. Approximately 60% of the variance in adult drug use was accounted for by high school drug use, indicating a moderate level of stability across time. Cannabis use (marijuana and hashish) decreased significantly during that period, whereas dramatic increases were noted for cigarette, alcohol, and cocaine use. Both living arrangement and life pursuit significantly impacted on the change in drug use from high school to young adulthood for all substances except nonprescription medication. Both social environment (living arrangements) and role responsibility (life pursuit) contributed to understanding the change in drug use from adolescence to young adult. These results are discussed in regard to role socialization and the unique challenges and tasks of the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Policy and prevention implications are discussed.