Personality, environment, and problem drug use

We tested a theoretical model that posited direct and interactive relations hips between personality and environment as predictive of problem drug use. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed on data from a nonclinical sample of males and females first tested in adolescence and followed into young adulthood. In main effects analyses, cross-sectional models for marij uana and a composite of "harder" drugs strongly supported our theoretical p erspective: several environmental and personality variables significantly p redicted concurrent problem use. Longitudinal analyses produced mixed resul ts, with either smaller numbers of significant personality/environment pred ictors or personality predictors dropping out completely. Peer drug use and depression best predicted problem "hard" drug use, while motivations to us e with others and disinhibition best predicted problem marijuana use. Perso nality/peer group interactions were significant both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, indicating that membership in a problem-using social networ k enhanced the predictive ability of, or helped bring to fruition, several personality predisposers.