Researchers examined data on 420 variables for more than 6,800 youth (ages 9 to 10). Participants were followed for three years.
It was revealed that approximately 14.4% of young people started using psychoactive substances by the age of 12. The most mentioned of these were alcohol, marijuana and nicotine. Sociodemographic factors predicting initiation of substance use included religion, race, and income.
Religion was a strong protective factor for Mormon youth, and Jewish youth were more likely than those of other religions to initiate substance use. Use of such substances was also more common among whites and among adolescents from low-income families.
Additionally, those who had previously been suspended from school were more likely than others to initiate substance use. Other factors include the availability of these substances, peers’ use of alcohol and nicotine, and seeking new sensations.
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Source: Ferra
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