Adolescents from upper middle class communities: Substance misuse and addiction across early adulthood

Abstract

In this prospective study of upper middle class youth, we document frequency of alcohol and drug use, as well as diagnoses of abuse and dependence, during early adulthood. Two cohorts were assessed as high school seniors and then annually across 4 college years (New England Study of Suburban Youth younger cohort [NESSY-Y]), and across ages 23-27 (NESSY older cohort [NESSY-O]; ns = 152 and 183 at final assessments, respectively). Across gender and annual assessments, results showed substantial elevations, relative to norms, for frequency of drunkenness and using marijuana, stimulants, and cocaine. Of more concern were psychiatric diagnoses of alcohol/drug dependence: among women and men, respectively, lifetime rates ranged between 19%-24% and 23%-40% among NESSY-Os at age 26; and 11%-16% and 19%-27% among NESSY-Ys at 22. Relative to norms, these rates among NESSY-O women and men were three and two times as high, respectively, and among NESSY-Y, close to one among women but twice as high among men. Findings also showed the protective power of parents' containment (anticipated stringency of repercussions for substance use) at age 18; this was inversely associated with frequency of drunkenness and marijuana and stimulant use in adulthood. Results emphasize the need to take seriously the elevated rates of substance documented among adolescents in affluent American school communities.

The changing patterns and correlates of population‐level polysubstance use in Australian youth: a multi‐group latent class analysis of nationally representative samples spanning 12 years

“…Recent studies have shown that adolescents from upper‐middle‐class communities reported elevated levels of anxiety, self‐harm and substance use . They were more likely to report symptoms of substance addiction and dependence in their 20s . It should be noted that the present study focused on patterns of substance use, but not substance‐related harms.…”

The relationship between cognitive enrichment and cognitive control: A systematic investigation of environmental influences on development through socioeconomic status

“…Our specific question was how SES, not stress, is shaping cognitive control. (Ansary, McMahon, & Luthar, 2017;Ciciolla, Curlee, Karageorge, & Luthar, 2017;Coren & Luthar, 2014;Luthar, Small, & Ciciolla, 2018). In our sample, children who did experience negative or traumatic experiences as measured by the LEC were scattered across the SES continuum.…”

“…Other data have repeatedly shown that some stressful life events are more common in high SES homes. Extensive research from Luthar and colleagues has demonstrated that high SES homes and schools impose stressors for unrealistic achievement that result in high rates of internalizing disorders and substance abuse by early adolescence (Ansary, McMahon, & Luthar, ; Ciciolla, Curlee, Karageorge, & Luthar, ; Coren & Luthar, ; Luthar, Small, & Ciciolla, ). In our sample, children who did experience negative or traumatic experiences as measured by the LEC were scattered across the SES continuum.…”

Drivers of human development: How relationships and context shape learning and development1

“…For example, children and youth in affluent communities face sources of chronic stress, such as high workloads among parents, which can affect parental attunement, and high pressures to excel at home and at school (Coley, Sims, Dearing, & Spielvogel, 2017). Recent research suggests these sources of stress are associated with elevated risk for substance abuse, social and emotional maladaptation, and risky behaviors (Lund, Dearing, & Zachrisson, 2017;Luthar, Small, & Ciciolla, 2017;Luthar, Barkin, & Crossman, 2013).…”