Author:
Degenhardt Louisa,Coffey Carolyn,Carlin John B.,Swift Wendy,Moore Elya,Patton George C.
Abstract
BackgroundRegular adolescent cannabis use predicts a range of later drug use and
psychosocial problems. Little is known about whether occasional cannabis
use carries similar risks.AimsTo examine associations between occasional cannabis use during
adolescence and psychosocial and drug use outcomes in young adulthood;
and modification of these associations according to the trajectory of
cannabis use between adolescence and age 20 years, and other potential
risk factors.MethodA 10-year eight-wave cohort study of a representative sample of 1943
secondary school students followed from 14.9 years to 24 years.ResultsOccasional adolescent cannabis users who continued occasional use into
early adulthood had higher risks of later alcohol and tobacco dependence
and illicit drug use, as well as being less likely to complete a
post-secondary qualification than non-users. Those using cannabis at
least weekly either during adolescence or at age 20 were at highest risk
of drug use problems in young adulthood. Adjustment for smoking in
adolescence reduced the association with later educational achievement,
but associations with drug use problems remained.ConclusionsOccasional adolescent cannabis use predicts later drug use and
educational problems. Partial mediation by tobacco use raises a
possibility that differential peer affiliation may play a role.
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
Cited by
98 articles.
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