Perceived Family Environment as a Predictor of Drug and Alcohol Usage among Offspring

Abstract

Current drug education focuses on negative peer pressure and environmental factors which are commonly viewed as causes of adolescent drug usage. But the role of the family of origin in predicting patterns of drug usage among adolescents and adults has not been explored thoroughly. Differences in perceived family environment were assessed and determined to be significantly different among social users, heavy users, and alcoholics/addicts. Through discriminant analysis, family atmosphere and parenting styles were determined to be accurate predictors of drug usage outcome.