Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The transition from adolescence to adulthood is an important and sometimes difficult time in the life course. If this transition is negotiated successfully, it has positive consequences for subsequent adult life. Yet, adolescent drug use often obstructs the achievement of positive adult functioning and increases the risk for continued substance abuse in adulthood. This paper examines the relationships between adolescent substance use, the successful transition to adulthood, and adult drug abuse and dependence. We identify eight dimensions of successful adult development and measurable indicators for each. Using data from a prospective, longitudinal study, we find that at age 24 about half of the sample has made the transition successfully along almost all dimensions, 42 percent in many dimensions, and 8 percent in very few dimensions. Regression analyses show that adolescent drug use (age 13-18) decreases the likelihood of successfully transitioning to adulthood and increases the chance of alcohol and drug abuse and dependence by age 24. The successful transition to adulthood has an indirect effect on continued substance abuse and dependence at age 27 through its negative association with substance abuse and dependence at age 24.