Intrapersonal versus peer group predictors of adolescent drug use

In this third report from the Alberta High School study we present data on the predictors of adolescent drug use. Results revealed that conduct disorder and peer pressure were the best predictors of drug-taking across adolescence generally but that significant age x gender differences existed in the strength of these associations. Contrary to expectations, conduct disorder was found to be more closely associated with the illicit drug use of 12-13 year-old boys than same-age girls. Friends' drug use was also more predictive of the drug use of 12-13 year-old boys, while overt peer pressure was a better predictor of 12-13 year-old girls' drug use. Except for friends' drug use, which remained more important for boys than girls throughout adolescence, differences in intrapersonal and peer predictors between males and females ended after the age of 12-13 years. The implications of these findings for drug prevention programs are considered.