The Availability of Substances in Adolescence: Influences in Emerging Adulthood

This study examines the availability of substances in the home during adolescence and its influence on substance use in young adulthood. Data are drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). The final sample consisted of approximately 15,000 cases from Waves 1, 3, and 4. Multivariate analyses indicate that the availability of substances in the home affects young adult substance use and substance use in later young adulthood. We also find that the availability of substances in the home during adolescence is associated with an earlier age at first substance use. This study offers further evidence for understanding how the home environment affects substance use behavior among young adults. In this case, exposure to substances in adolescence, and their easy availability, increase the likelihood of substance use in adolescence and increases use in young adulthood.