This paper presents empirical evidence documenting the relationship between employment and substance use among adolescents. Using data from the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, we studied the association among adolescents (n=9,133) ages 12-17 who are also concurrently enrolled in school. Analyses were conducted separately for male and female adolescents, and two sets of outcomes were modeled: any use in the past year of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drug(s), and heavy use of these substances. Logistic regression models were fit that included employment and the following covariates: age, race/ethnicity, region (of the country) of residence, a proxy for family socioeconomic status, presence of an internalizing psychiatric disorder (e.g, depression), and presence of an externalizing psychiatric disorder (e.g., conduct disorder). Findings indicated that after adjusting for the covariates, female adolescents who worked were more likely than those who did not to have used cigarettes, alcohol, and other drugs in the past year, and male adolescents who worked were more likely to use cigarettes and alcohol heavily. At the conclusion of the session, participants will recognize that adolescents who work are at higher risk for substance use than those who don’t, and will be able to discuss hypotheses about why this might be the case.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will recognize that adolescents who work are at higher risk for substance use than those who don’t, and will be able to discuss hypotheses about why this might be the case.
Keywords: Workforce, Substance Abuse Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.