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Peer deviance predicted drug abuse in those who experienced parental divorce

In a study of Swedish residents and their adolescent peers, peer deviance strongly predicted drug abuse; associated risk factors include genetic vulnerability, parental loss and socioeconomic status.

Researchers linked data from Swedish nationwide registries and health care data using the individual 10-digit PIN assigned at birth or immigration; data were available for 1,357,577 individuals born from 1970 through 1985 and their adolescent peers. They measured peer deviance using Small Areas for Market Statistics (SAMS) at age 15 years. Participants had not been previously registered for drug abuse and were living with their parents or grandparents. The primary endpoint was drug abuse, as documented in medical, legal or pharmacy registries, according to the study.

The mean rate of peer deviance across SAMS was 3.8%. Male and older-aged peer drug abuse increased the risk for future drug abuse among participants (HR=2.93; 95% CI, 2.84-3.02), compared with female or younger-aged peers (HR=2.12; 95% CI, 2.06-2.18).

The HR for participant drug abuse increased 1.32-fold with every percent increase among peers (95% CI, 1.31-1.32), according to researchers.

Researchers found a strong correlation with the risk for drug abuse after controlling for parental educational level and divorce (HR=1.83; 95% CI, 1.70-1.87), the researchers reported.

“A full understanding of the origin of drug abuse will require an integration of research perspectives that include the genetic or biological, family processes, and social-cultural influences,” the researchers wrote. “Our findings may influence public policy strategies to promote resiliency in subgroups of high-risk children.”

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.