Correlates of drug use
Printer-friendly versionResearch with drug users since the 1970s has identified certain factors, or correlates, as being either positively or negatively associated with drug use.
A positive correlation indicates that drug use tends to occur when certain specific factors or variables are present. Eg:
- knowledge of drugs;
- intentions to use;
- impulsive behaviour;
- excessive personal stress;
- boredom;
- anti-social tendencies;
- scepticism about school drug education and media prevention efforts;
- peer pro-drug attitudes and behaviour;
- lack of parental concern.
A negative correlation indicates that drug misuse tends not to occur when other specified factors/variables are present. Eg:
- self-esteem;
- liking school;
- achievement;
- religious beliefs;
- optimism about future;
- parental intolerance of deviance;
- presence of controls and regulations in the home.
Correlates do not necessarily indicate cause. Eg truancy is associated with illicit drug use, but truancy is not necessarily a cause of illicit drug use.1
Reference
- Swabi H. Adolescent Substance Use and Truancy: exploring the link. European Journal of Psychiatry, 1989; 3: 108-15.