THE INFLUENCE OF ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE USE AND SOCIALIZATION ON DEVIANT-BEHAVIOR IN YOUNG ADULTHOOD

This study examined the impact of adolescent substance use on adult su bstance use and criminal behavior. Longitudinal data from 657 particip ants were assessed over 12 years (1969-1981). Latent variable models w ere used to determine what effect, if any, adolescent drug use had on later deviance. In addition, constructs relevant to traditional theori es of social control, such as the extent of socialization and obedienc e to rules, were also included as predictors. The results showed that a general drug use factor in adolescence significantly predicted adult illicit substance use, theft, and interpersonal aggression. Drug-rela ted accidents (automobile and other) were also predicted from adolesce nt drug use. These findings are consistent with several theories sugge sting that different forms of deviance may influence each other over t ime.