Early and risky adolescent alcohol use independently predict alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other drug use in early adulthood in Ireland: a longitudinal analysis of a nationally representative cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Early and risky adolescent alcohol use have each been associated with adult alcohol consumption. However, it remains unclear whether these behaviours independently predict later-life substance use when considered jointly, and research examining links with substances other than alcohol is limited. This study addresses these gaps by examining longitudinal associations between age at first alcohol and risky adolescent alcohol use, with alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other drug use in early adulthood, and aims to identify critical periods for public health interventions.

Methods

Growing Up in Ireland is a nationally representative cohort (recruited aged 9 [Wave 1], born 1997-1998). Survey-weighted logistic regression examined whether age at first alcoholic drink and r

SUBMITTER: Brennan MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11934588 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature