Alcohol and Marijuana Usage Does Not Translate Into Drug Addiction

A study was conducted on the usage of alcohol and marijuana among 12th grade students to examine current drug usage and to see if there was a correlation/causation relationship to drug abuse.  The researchers observed that while a high percentage of high school students currently engaged in such activities, it was uncommon for people to develop long-term substance abuse problems, which diminishes the gateway drug theory.  Further, the researchers also polled 12th grade students to see why they engaged in consuming alcohol and marijuana.  From the polls, it was discovered that only a small percentage of students engage in drug use (alcohol and marijuana) to cope with problems and stress; however, the majority consumes alcohol and marijuana to fit in with crowds and engage in social behavior.  The motives for marijuana usage closely mirror those of alcohol consumption (conformity, social, enhancement).

When conducting the study, the researches discovered men had engaged in more frequent drinking at age 18, or when in high school.  Even though there were differences between people with different ethnic backgrounds, the results were not significant and mirrored each other.  However, 18 year old students who had parents that were better educated engaged in lower amounts of drinking.  On the other hand, marijuana consumption at age 18 was a strong predictor of use at age 35, but only for continued marijuana usage, not harder drugs.

In conclusion, while a common hypothesis is alcohol and marijuana usage suggest continued and increased drug usage as people age, there is not concrete evidence, based on this study, that support such claims.  Drug use varies from person to person because of motives for drug use, behavior, and if people are prone to addiction tendencies.  Further, using drugs, specifically alcohol, at young ages to cope with problems and stress tends to lead to substance abuse more than other motives for alcohol and marijuana usage among 18 year old high school students.





 Works Cited:

Patrick, Megan E., John E. Schulenberg, Patrick M. O'malley, Lloyd D. Johnston, and Jerald G. Bachman. "Adolescents' Reported Reasons for Alcohol and Marijuana Use as Predictors of Substance Use and Problems in Adulthood." J Stud Alcohol Drugs (2011): n. pag. Web. 2 June 2013. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3001673/>.