Polydrug use trajectories and differences in impulsivity among adolescents

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Psychology
• Neuroscience of Substance Use
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Limited data exists on adolescent polydrug use (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis) and its link to impulsivity.
• Adolescence is a critical period for substance use initiation and development of behavioral patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify distinct trajectories of polydrug use in adolescents.
• Analyze differences in self-reported and behavioral impulsivity across these trajectories.

Main Methods:

• Latent class mixed modeling to identify polydrug use trajectories in 1,565 adolescents over three years.
• Assessed impulsivity using Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Zuckerman Impulsive Sensation Seeking Scale, Stroop Test, and Delay Discounting Task.
• Analyzed substance use frequency, intoxication, and problem drinking.

Main Results:

• Three distinct polydrug use trajectories were identified: 'Experimental use,' 'Early use,' and 'Telescoped use.'
• The 'Early use' trajectory showed the highest impulsivity, while 'Experimental use' showed the lowest.
• Increasing substance use in the 'Telescoped use' trajectory correlated with rising impulsivity.

Conclusions:

• Adolescents' polydrug use patterns are associated with varying levels of general impulsivity and sensation seeking.
• Impulsivity facets are crucial targets for interventions aimed at preventing and reducing adolescent substance use.