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Pathways from ADHD to early drug use
1Department of Psychiatry, Henry Ford Health Sciences Center, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. hchilco1@hfhs.org
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|November 24, 1999
Summary
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) significantly increases early drug use risk in children, particularly those with moderate externalizing problems. Prevention efforts should target parent monitoring and peer influences.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder.
- Early drug use is a significant public health concern with long-term consequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ADHD and the risk of early drug use in children.
- To determine if externalizing problems moderate the association between ADHD and drug use.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal community-based study assessed 412 low birth weight and 305 normal birth weight children from age 6 to 11.
- Data included ADHD status, externalizing problems, parent monitoring, peer drug use, and child drug use.
Main Results:
- ADHD significantly increased drug use risk only in children with moderate externalizing problems (OR = 2.1, p = .03).
- Low parent monitoring and high peer drug use were independent risk factors for drug use.
- Psychostimulant treatment for ADHD did not affect drug use risk.
Conclusions:
- The risk of early drug use in children with ADHD is contingent upon the severity of associated externalizing problems.
- Parental monitoring and peer drug use are critical targets for intervention strategies to prevent early drug use in children with and without ADHD.