B3293 - Exploring Illicit Drug Use in ALSPAC at age 24 comparison with general population and predictors of use - 18/04/2019

B number: 
B3293
Principal applicant name: 
Lindsey Hines | University of Bristol
Co-applicants: 
Professor Matthew Hickman, Ms Hannah Charles
Title of project: 
Exploring Illicit Drug Use in ALSPAC at age 24: comparison with general population, and predictors of use
Proposal summary: 

Substance use in young adulthood is associated with considerable morbidity, a situation which is substantially increasing, and a greater burden in young males [1]. SubstanceIllicit substance use of drugs use is taken to be illegal substances such as cannabis, cocaine, and synthetic stimulants . Use of these illegal substances is associated with an increased risks of addiction, overdose and long-term health effects, and therefore presents a significant public health concern. The link between substance use and poor mental health, educational attainment and subsequent employment is well documented [3]. Harms may be increased if use is during adolescence, a period of development is characterised by extensive cognitive and emotional development, which can be inhibited by substance use, and have a negative impact of future life outcomes [1]. A recent study suggested that in terms of brain development, adolescence should be considered up to age 25 [2]. Focussing on adolescence is important, as this is when most people start engaging in substance use, and therefore this period of life is important for the timing of preventative interventions [4]. Of interest is the substance use that persists throughout adolescence and into adulthood, which could progress to dependent use and be damaging to health.
However, there is marked global variation in prevalence of use of these substances, which indicates that contextual and individual factors influence this behaviour. As Mmuch of this data comes from self-reported questionnaires, and aspects of data collection may also affect differences in prevalence of reported use. Substance use is taken to be illegal substances such as cannabis, cocaine, and synthetic stimulants. Use of these illegal substances is associated with an increased risk of addiction, overdose and long-term health effects, and therefore presents a significant public health concern. Of interest is the substance use that persists throughout adolescence and into adulthood, which could progress to dependent use and be damaging to health. This period of adolescence is characterised by extensive cognitive and emotional development, which can be inhibited by substance use, and have a negative impact of future life outcomes [1]. A recent study suggested that in terms of brain development, adolescence should be considered up to age 25 [2]. The link between substance use and poor mental health, educational attainment and subsequent employment is well documented [3]. However, it is less clear why geographical variations in substance use occur, and the factors that predict drug use during young adulthood. Focussing on young adulthood is important as this is when most people start engaging in substance use, and therefore this period of life is important for the timing of preventative interventions [4]. To fully characterise the problem of substance use in this age group, more work is needed to understand the extent of substance use and identify risk factors that predict drug use.

Impact of research: 
Date proposal received: 
Tuesday, 9 April, 2019
Date proposal approved: 
Thursday, 18 April, 2019
Keywords: 
Epidemiology, Addiction - e.g. alcohol, illicit drugs, smoking, gambling, etc., Behaviour - e.g. antisocial behaviour, risk behaviour, etc., Mental health, Statistical methods, Cohort studies - attrition, bias, participant engagement, ethics