Influence of Family and Peer Group on the Use of Drugs by Adolescents

Abstract

This study of the effect of family and peer group variables on drug use among male adolescents shows that both the drug consumption behavior of parents and peers, and their relationships with the adolescent have an important influence on the latter's own use patterns. With respect to adolescents who do not consume drugs, users of both legal and illegal drugs reported less affectionate family relationships, greater drug consumption by both parents, greater contact with drug-consuming peers, and greater identification with and participation in unconventional groups and activities. These findings coincide to a large extent with the assumptions of some of the main theories of deviant behavior (social control theory, differential association theory, and social learning theory), which suggests the desirability of integrating these theoretical models in an attempt to provide an exhaustive explanation of the genesis and maintenance of drug use by adolescents.