Drugs
Understanding Problem Drug Use Among Young People Accessing Drug Services: A multivariate approach using statistical modelling
In 1995 the first designated service for adolescent drug misusers in England was established in Stoke-on-Trent. In 1998, a similar service was developed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. This study interviewed 103 young drug users (response rate 95%), using a structured questionnaire in the 2 study centres, to establish factors that are indicators of developing problem drug use.
Title: Understanding Problem Drug Use Among Young People Accessing Drug Services: A multivariate approach using statistical modelling technique
Author: Home Office
Series: Online Report 15/04
Number of pages: 79
Date published: March 2004
Although this population often has difficult relationships with their parents, 46 parents (response rate 70%) were also interviewed. Interviews took between 30-40 minutes and were conducted between June 2001 and June 2002.
An indicator of the 'level of problematic drug use' (LPDU) was developed. This indicator took account of the:
frequency of use
drug types used
drug usage reasons
administration route
current spending on drugs.
At the low end of the spectrum are young people who use cannabis occasionally; at the high end are heavy users of heroin and other drugs.
The primary aim of the study was to define the hierarchy of risk and protective factors among the adolescents attending designated drug services and to understand the direct and indirect links between these factors. The aim was constrained by the cross-sectional nature of the study and the relatively small sample size.
Main findings
103 young people attending drug services in Stoke and Newcastle were interviewed. The respondents:
average age at interview was 16.3 (range: 11 to 20)
average drug usage was 3.6 years (5.1 years from age began smoking).
The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis indicates that the relative hierarchy of factors which predict increased LPDU within this sample is:
Perceived lack of parental discipline
Respondent's friends using drugs
Age at interview
History of running away from home
Parental lack of concerns about smoking and alcohol problems
More problems in area (e.g. assault, burglary)
Perception of poor local amenities (places to meet, transport)
Age began substance use
Poor school attendance (+ left school before age 16)
Not living in a household with adults
60% of respondents live in areas of moderate or high material deprivation
Social exclusion accounts for 15% of the variance of LPDU among this sample of young drug service users.
Respondents whose parents impose less discipline have higher LPDU.
Parental discipline is stronger when they hold more disapproving attitudes towards their children's substance use.
Recommendations for further research
The current data set provides new insights into adolescent drug use and should be subjected to more detailed analyses, using larger sample sizes and long term follow-up.
Adolescent drug users seeking help should be assessed with regard to their motivation to change their behaviour as this may increase the probability of a positive outcome.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) helps patients to recognise why they are using drugs and determine what they need to do to either avoid or cope with whatever triggers their use.
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Last update: Wednesday, September 17, 2008