Latent Classes of Perceived Addictiveness Predict Marijuana, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use in Youth and Young Adults

Abstract

Background: Mass media substance use prevention efforts target addiction perceptions in young people. This study examined youth and young adults’ (YAs) perceived addictiveness across several substances and the associations between addiction perceptions and substance use. Methods: Data were collected in 2019 in an online cohort study of Vermonters aged 12–25. Latent class analyses grouped participants by perceived addictiveness of nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, electronic vapor products (EVPs), and opioids. Bivariate multinomial logistic and modified Poisson regression estimated associations between sociodemographics, substance use correlates, and subsequent use across latent classes. Results: Four latent classes captured addiction perceptions: high perceived addictiveness of EVPs, cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol (Class 1: n = 317; 31.3%), low perceived addictiveness of marijuana, alcohol, and caffeine (Class 2: n = 151; 14.3%), low perceived addictiveness of marijuana (Class 3: n = 581; 46.5%), and low perceived addictiveness of nicotine, cigarettes, and EVPs (Class 4: n = 83; 7.9%). For each year increase in age, there was a 36% increased likelihood of being in Class 2 (vs. Class 1) and a 148% increased likelihood of belonging to Class 3 (vs. Class 1). Low perceived addictiveness classes were associated with ever and past 30-day marijuana and alcohol use and predicted past 30-day alcohol use at three-month follow-up. Membership in Classes 2 and 3 also predicted past 30-day marijuana use at Wave 3. Discussion: The strong association between age and latent classes defined by low perceived addictiveness suggests age group differences in addiction perceptions. Findings suggest that YAs may benefit from prevention messaging on addictiveness.

Keywords:

• young adults
• adolescents
• substance use prevention
• perceptions
• public health education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Contributors

J. C. West designed and directed the project under advisement of A. C. Villanti. J. C. West performed the analyses. J.C. West wrote the first draft of the article. All authors contributed to the interpretation of the results and provided feedback and edits on the article.

Additional information

Funding

Department of Health, the University of Vermont Cancer Center, and the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine. The team was also supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number P20GM103644 (EMK), and National Institute on Drug Abuse under Award Numbers R21DA051943 (ACV) and U54DA036114 (JCW). Although this work product was funded in whole or in part with monies provided by or through the State of Vermont, the State does not necessarily endorse the researchers’ findings and/or conclusions. The findings and/or conclusions may be inconsistent with the State’s policies, programs, and objectives. Additionally, the content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.