Transitions in Childhood As a Factor in Early Substance Use Initiation and Abuse

Introduction: It has been hypothesized that transitions in childhood, such as frequent geographical relocation, may play a role in substance use among children. The current study uses qualitative interviewing to investigate the effects of geographical and other types of transitions on the initiation and use of psychoactive substances.

Methods: Eighty-six young adults (ages 18-26) participated in a semi-structured interview about their first and second use of substances, as well as their experiences with substances in the year following initiation of use. Thirty-two young adults were students at a small liberal arts college, 28 were young adults who were not enrolled in a college or university, and 28 were young adults who were currently attending AA or NA, or had attended AA or NA in the past. The sample was predominately European American but included individuals from urban, rural and suburban areas with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.  Interviews were transcribed and common themes were coded using the MAXQDA program.

Results: Preliminary coding showed that 12 members of the recovery sample, 7 members of the community sample and 1 member of the college sample mentioned some type of transition before the age of 18 when discussing their experiences with substances. Previous research suggests that children who move frequently have a harder time forming close friendships and this may contribute to experimentation with substances. Quotes from these interviews demonstrate an association between friendship formation and substance initiation and subsequent abuse. Participants frequently mentioned, without being queried, geographical or school relocation in association with initiation or increase in substance use, suggesting a relationship between relocations and motivations to use substances. The information obtained from this study may have implications for schools and families in helping to ease transitions and educate young people about substance use and integrating into new peer groups.

Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that greater education and prevention efforts are necessary to help young people who are coming to a new school or neighborhood form relationships with prosocial peer groups.  Parents and educators need to be made aware that some young people might see substance use as a way to make friends, and educated on how to help young people avoid involvement with substance using peers.