Substance use disorder is the outcome of deviant socialization: A prospective investigation spanning childhood to adulthood

Abstract

Objective: Disinhibitory behavior during childhood and adolescence has been frequently shown to amplify the risk for substance use disorder (SUD) in adulthood. This prospective study examined the hypothesis that poor communication with parents and association with deviant peers comprise an SUD-promoting environtype which catalyzes transition of disinhibitory behavior toward SUD.

Method: Male (N = 499) and female (N = 195) youths were tracked from 10 to 12 to 30 years of age. Path analysis evaluated the patterning of disinhibitory behavior and social environment during childhood on substance use during adolescence, and antisocial personality without co-occurring SUD in early adulthood and subsequently substance use disorder (SUD).

Results: Disinhibitory behavior (SUD vulnerability) in childhood predicts antisociality without SUD (age 22) that segues to SUD (age 23-30) whereas the environtype (parents and peers) predicts substance use during adolescence which predicts antisocial personality leading to SUD. Antisociality without SUD in early adulthood mediates the association of substance use during adolescence and SUD.

Conclusion: Disinhibitory behavior and deviance-promoting social environment conjointly promote development of SUD via deviant socialization.

Keywords: Adolescence; Antisocial personality; Parental relationship; Peer relationships; Substance use; Substance use disorder etiology.