Stage theory advances that alcohol misuse and experimentation with drugs predispose users to substance abuse and addiction in later years. This study examined rates of emotional indicators and substance use among southern adolescent males over a ten-year span and whether stage theory could be applied to emotional factors and substance experimentation. Data on African American and white males (11 - 17 years; N=5,165) participating in the 1988, 1990, 1993 and 1998 Alabama Adolescent Health Survey (r=.79) addressing health behaviors and attitudes were used. Items examining emotional indicators (difficulty dealing with stress, feeling sad, and depressed) and alcohol and drug experimentation were assessed. 39% were 11-14 years of age and 34% were African American. Difficulty dealing with stress decreased from 62% in 1988 to 59% in 1998, while those feeling sad and depressed peaked in 1993 (33% to 46% and 20% to 29% respectively) then decreased slightly. Alcohol experimentation increased from 58% in 1988 to 66% in 1998. Binge drinking rose from 28% in 1988 to 31% in 1998. Tobacco use increased from 48% in 1988 to 60% in 1998. Marijuana use went from 16% in 1988 to 45 % in 1998. Findings suggest that as young males experienced greater emotional difficulty over the ten-year period, gateway substance use also increased. Loglinear analysis identified different patterns of substance use based on age, ethnicity and emotional indicators. Prevention programs should foster stage theory in conjunction with demographics and emotional factors in their design and implementation.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify rates of substance use and emotional indicators among southern adolescent males. 2. Assess the relationship between substance use and emotional indicators. 3. recognize that prevention programs should foster stage theory in conjunction with demographics and emotional factors in their design andimplementation.
Keywords: Adolescents, Risky Behaviors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.