|
| |
Title: A developmental model of substance abuse in early adulthood
Author: Esser, G; Wyschkon, A; Schmidt, MH; Blanz, B; Ihle, W
Abstract: Development of a longitudinal model of the genesis of substance abuse in 25-year olds with special consideration of preceding mental disorders. Epidemiological longitudinal study (research at ages 8, 13, 18, and 25 years; n=321): Structured assessment of substance abuse (nicotine, alcohol, illegal drugs), psychopathology, psychosocial; and biological risk factors. The strongest predictor of substance abuse in early adulthood is the existence of addictive behavior at age 18 years: Addiction at age 18 years can be predicted by psychosocial risk factors and especially by preceding externalizing disorders. Transactional processes between these variables could be detected. Controlling for conduct disorders, hyperkinetic symptoms at all research ages additionally contribute to the prediction of nicotine abuse at age 25 years. The same could be found for hyperkinetic symptoms of 13-year-olds for later alcohol abuse. Additionally, obesity at age 8, 13, and 18 years proved to be a strong predictor of substance abuse at age 25 years.' Early detection and effective treatment of externalizing disorders simultaneously reduces the risk for substance abuse in early adulthood and can be seen as a powerful method of addiction prevention. Obesity in childhood and adolescence proved to be a risk factor for later substance abuse and must be considered for selective prevention trials.
Source: KINDHEIT UND ENTWICKLUNG
Publication Year: 2008
|