Drinking Patterns and Going-Out Behavior as Predictors of Illicit Substance Use: An Analysis among Dutch Adolescents

Abstract

This study examines relations between drinking patterns, going-out behavior, and illicit substance use among Dutch adolescents ages 15 to 24 who reported alcohol use at least once per week (N = 711). Logistic regression analyses indicated that adolescents reporting heavy drinking patterns showed higher risks of lifetime and current illicit substance use. Weekday drinking increased the risk of lifetime substance use for the youngest (15–17 years) and those with lowest education levels. Going out to bars and dance parties also increased the risk of lifetime and current illicit drug use, suggesting that drink setting was related to youngsters’ illicit substance use. In sum, these findings suggest that both drinking patterns and drink setting are important predictors of Dutch adolescents’ illicit substance use.