CONSEQUENCES OF ADOLESCENT DRUG-USE AND PERSONALITY-FACTORS ON ADULT-DRUG USE

This study examined the stability of adolescent drug use into young ad ulthood and explored the possible influence of personality on adolesce nt and adult drug use. Participants in this longitudinal study (N = 64 0) completed questionnaires which assessed multiple indicators for lat ent constructs of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and hard drugs, and also for the personality constructs of Socialization. In addition, the eff ects of obedience and extraversion were examined. Results showed that a general drug use factor in adolescence significantly predicted young adult drug use. A particular effect of adolescent obedience on adult drug use was noted. Within adolescence, obedience, extraversion, and t he construct of Socialization were significant predictors of drug use. Early onset of smoking predicted adolescent drug use. The implication s of these findings for early drug use education and intervention are discussed. Additional analysis explored the possibility of treating ob edience as another indicator of Socialization. This model could not pr ovide as good a fit as the original model. The measure of obedience ac ted as a better predictor of drug use than an overall factor of Social ization. Gender differences are discussed.