Drugs, lifestyle, and health: a longitudinal study of urban black youth

The association of drug use with indicators of health status was studied in a representative sample of urban Black youth interviewed first in adolescence and then six to seven later in young adulthood. Seven substances, with interaction terms as appropriate, were tested against a psychophysical health scale and also against a more inclusive general health scale. Both measures of health outcomes yielded similar findings. Earlier inhalants use and, under certain conditions, methadone were linked to health change in males. Heroin had a delayed relationship to females' health. Additionally, methadone was associated with poorer health among young Black women who also were heavy alcohol drinkers. The observed relationships between drug use and health persisted after introducing controls for associated lifestyle factors.