Social learning theory and nonmedical prescription drug use among adolescents

    Authors

    J. A. Ford

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Sociol. Spectr.

    Keywords

    COLLEGE-STUDENTS; UNITED-STATES; SUBSTANCE USE; ALCOHOL-USE; NATIONAL-SURVEY; YOUNG ADULTHOOD; ILLICIT USE; STIMULANTS; PREVALENCE; ABUSE; Sociology

    Abstract

    Adolescent substance use is an important area of research in sociology; however, there is a lack of research on nonmedical prescription drug use. The dearth of research on this topic is problematic given the relatively high prevalence of use among adolescents, the drastic increase in use in recent years, and the potential negative consequences from misusing prescription drugs. Using data from a national sample of adolescents, this research fills an important gap in the literature by testing one of the most prominent theories of deviance: social learning theory. Findings support variables related to social learning theory as correlates of nonmedical prescription drug use. Adolescents with definitions that are pro-substance use, whose peers use drugs, and whose parents and peers have attitudes that condone substance use are more likely to report nonmedical prescription drug use in the past year. Important implications and future research directions are discussed.

    Journal Title

    Sociological Spectrum

    Volume

    28

    Issue/Number

    3

    Publication Date

    1-1-2008

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    299

    Last Page

    316

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000255063200004

    ISSN

    0273-2173

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