Genetic and Environmental Influences on Substance Use in Adolescents
Author Information
Author(s): Tom Fowler, Kate Lifford, Katherine Shelton, Frances Rice, Anita Thapar, Michael C Neale, Andrew McBride, Marianne B M van den Bree
Primary Institution: Cardiff University
Hypothesis
To examine the genetic and environmental contributions to the initiation of use and progression to more serious use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana during adolescence.
Conclusion
The study suggests that interventions for alcohol should focus on risk factors for heavier use, while those for cigarettes and marijuana should target initiation.
Supporting Evidence
- 86% of individuals reported having tried alcohol at some point in their life.
- Common environmental influences were more significant for initiation of substance use.
- Genetic influences were stronger for heavier use of substances.
Takeaway
This study looked at how genes and the environment affect teens starting to use and then using more of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. It found that different factors are important for starting and for using more.
Methodology
The study used a twin-based design and a causal–common–contingent (CCC) model to analyze the relationship between initiation and progression of substance use.
Limitations
A significant portion of the sample was below the age of risk for initiation and progression, particularly for marijuana use.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 1214 twin pairs aged 11–19 years from the UK population.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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