Religion, race and income predict substance use among minors

Social and demographic variables (race, age, gender, level of education, religion…), as well as income level, are determining factors in a person’s biography. In recent years, especially as a result of the Covid pandemic, numerous studies have been published that show how the vital context in which we develop as people determines our access to health and health-behaviours, leading to what we have best quality. and life expectancy and, conversely, how the lack of such resources increases the risk of disease.

A new study from the Medical University of South Carolina (USA) concluded that Race, religion, and economic status are the strongest predictors of substance use initiation.. The work, which was presented this week at the 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and published in the journal American Journal of Psychiatry examined 420 variables that could serve as predictors of substance use among more than 6800 children from 9 to 10 years old.

At 12 years old approximately 14% young people started using substances, and the most common substances reported were alcohol, marijuana and nicotine, similar to the results of previous studies. religion was a strong protective factor for Mormon youth, while Jewish youth were more likely than other religions to initiate substance use.. Black youth were less likely to initiate substance use than White youth. and those with high incomes than those with low incomes.

prenatal effects of substance use was among main predictors and was associated with a higher likelihood of occurrence. In addition, young people with In-school detentions and suspensions were more likely than others to start “flirting” with these addictive substances. In addition, minors who started using psychoactive substances early have increased risk of developing substance use disorders and psychosocial problems in adulthood.

It also examines the changing landscape of cannabis use among adolescents, focusing on the increased risk of developing substance use disorders and other mental health conditions due to greater efficiency and availability of cannabis. “The plasticity of the developing brain offers opportunities for prevention and early intervention to change this trajectory,” the authors write.