Drug problem – What problems? Concurrent predictors of selected types of drug problems in a london community sample of young people who use drugs

Abstract

Four variables potentially indicative of different aspects of drug problems have been selected for study in a community sample of young people aged 16–20 who use drugs; Severity of Dependence Score; Whether or not interactional problems caused by own drug use were experienced; Number of college or work days missed specifically as a result of drug use; and 12-item General Health Questionnaire Score. The study population comprised 200 young cannabis users, approximately one-third of whom were also stimulant drug users. Substantial levels of these problems were observed.

A range of predictors of these problems were identified in regression models. Lifetime stimulant drug use emerges as a principal indicator of risk. In addition, age, ongoing drug consumption variables and satisfaction with personal drug use emerge are recurrent predictors. An indicator of deprivation is identified as being associated with interactional problems. The need for development of the study of drug problems in the context of the normalisation of recreational drug use within British youth culture is discussed. More elaborate and sophisticated studies of problems will be required to identify significant harms as consequences of teenage patterns of non-opiate drug use.

• Drug problems
• Dependence
• Community
• Young people
• Cannabis
• Stimulant
• Drugs