Illicit Drug Use in a Community-Based Sample of Heterosexually Identified Emerging Adults

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Illicit Drug Use in a Community-Based Sample of Heterosexually Identified Emerging Adults
Language: English
Authors: Halkitis, Perry N., Manasse, Ashley N., McCready, Karen C.
Source: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse. 2010 19(4):300-308.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2010
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Narcotics, Prevention, Drug Abuse, Developmental Stages, Enrollment, Young Adults, Late Adolescents, Marijuana, Cocaine, Gender Differences, Racial Differences, Educational Attainment, Dropouts, Employment Level, Sexual Orientation, Age Differences, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Whites, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders
Geographic Terms: New York
DOI: 10.1080/1067828X.2010.502486
ISSN: 1067-828X
Abstract: In this study we assess lifetime and recent drug use patterns among 261 heterosexually identified 18- to 25-year-olds through brief street intercept surveys conducted in New York City. Marijuana, hallucinogens, powder cocaine, and ecstasy were the most frequently reported drugs for both lifetime and recent use. Findings further suggest significant differences in lifetime use along the lines of gender, race/ethnicity, and school enrollment for various drugs. Males reported using significantly greater numbers of different drugs compared to females, as did those not enrolled in school compared to school enrollees. These data suggest that illicit drug use in emergent adulthood does not develop in a monolithic manner and synergies must be considered in relation to gender, school enrollment, and employment that first surface in the child and adolescent developmental stages. In addition, primary prevention efforts targeting child and adolescent drug use may mitigate the emerging adult and lifetime substance use. (Contains 3 tables.)
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 10
Entry Date: 2010
Accession Number: EJ895174
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:In this study we assess lifetime and recent drug use patterns among 261 heterosexually identified 18- to 25-year-olds through brief street intercept surveys conducted in New York City. Marijuana, hallucinogens, powder cocaine, and ecstasy were the most frequently reported drugs for both lifetime and recent use. Findings further suggest significant differences in lifetime use along the lines of gender, race/ethnicity, and school enrollment for various drugs. Males reported using significantly greater numbers of different drugs compared to females, as did those not enrolled in school compared to school enrollees. These data suggest that illicit drug use in emergent adulthood does not develop in a monolithic manner and synergies must be considered in relation to gender, school enrollment, and employment that first surface in the child and adolescent developmental stages. In addition, primary prevention efforts targeting child and adolescent drug use may mitigate the emerging adult and lifetime substance use. (Contains 3 tables.)
ISSN:1067-828X
DOI:10.1080/1067828X.2010.502486