Hair Cortisol Concentrations in the Prediction of Early Substance Use Engagement in Youth.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Understanding factors associated with early onset of substance use is critical as using alcohol or drugs at a young age is a strong predictor of later substance dependency. Experiencing stressful life events is associated with increased risk for early substance use in youth. Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is considered a biomarker of psychological stress experienced over longer periods of time. We examined whether HCC could predict early substance use engagement in youth followed over 5 years.

Methods

Participants were 395 young adolescents (50% female, age range 10-15 years, M_age = 12.3, SD = 1.1 at baseline). Demographic data, socioeconomic factors, and substance use habits were collected at four waves between 2015 and 2021. HCC was as

SUBMITTER: Georgiades A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11718716 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature