Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
10:35
A Procedure to Study the Effect of Prolonged Food Restriction on Heroin Seeking in Abstinent Rats
Published on: November 11, 2013
Factors associated with early adolescent initiation into injection drug use: implications for intervention programs
Cari L Miller1, Steffanie A Strathdee, Thomas Kerr
1British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. cmiller@cfenet.ubc.ca
Summary
Early initiation into injection drug use (IDU) by age 16 is linked to higher rates of HIV and HCV infection. Interventions should target young females and those with histories of detention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Early initiation into injection drug use (IDU) poses significant health risks.
- Understanding risk factors for adolescent IDU is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with early adolescent initiation into injection drug use among young injection drug users (IDUs).
- To examine the correlation between early initiation and subsequent infections with HIV and HCV.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal data from the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study (VIDUS) were analyzed.
- Participants aged 29 years and younger were assessed for age of initiation into IDU.
- Statistical analysis identified factors associated with initiation at or before age 16.
Main Results:
- 38% of young IDUs initiated drug use at age 16 or younger.
- Early initiation was more prevalent among females, sex workers, binge drug users, and individuals with juvenile detention or jail histories.
- Early initiates showed significantly higher odds of HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection.
Conclusions:
- Early initiation into injection drug use is associated with increased risk of HIV and HCV.
- Targeted interventions are needed for young females and those with a history of detention to prevent early initiation.
- Collaborative efforts with young women are essential for designing effective prevention programs.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
01:21Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview
When it comes to infants and young children, they are typically administered smaller doses of medication in comparison to adults. This is primarily because their organ functions still need to fully develop, meaning their bodies are not as efficient at metabolizing or eliminating drugs. Additionally, their blood-brain barrier is more permeable than in adults. As a result, high concentrations of drugs can easily penetrate the central nervous system (CNS), potentially leading to neurological...
01:17Drug Dependence
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
01:23Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Adolescence is a pivotal period of identity formation, during which individuals begin to answer questions central to their sense of self, such as "Who am I?" and "Who do I hope to become?" Both parents and peers play critical roles in guiding adolescents through this complex developmental phase.
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth. This guiding role...
01:24Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are potential complications that arise during pharmacotherapy, influenced by multiple risk factors. Age plays a significant role; both neonates and the elderly are at heightened risk due to their respective immature and diminished metabolic and elimination processes. Gender also impacts ADRs, with females experiencing a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater risk than males, which may be linked to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and hormonal differences. Notably, neonates, the...
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...