(81) Alcohol and substance use amongst adolescents in a Southern Appalachian community

Adolescent substance use (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drugs) is a risky behavior linked to negative outcomes later in life. Evidence suggests that alcohol and tobacco use during adolescence may contribute to the... [ view full abstract ]

Adolescent substance use (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, and other illicit drugs) is a risky behavior linked to negative outcomes later in life. Evidence suggests that alcohol and tobacco use during adolescence may contribute to the likelihood of future illicit drug use and abuse. Interest in this “gateway” theory has been renewed due to the identification of potential neurobiological (e.g., molecular) mechanisms that suggest that the brain is altered by prior drug use in ways that predispose it to respond differently to other drugs in the future. Along with other pressures adolescents experience to experiment, gain autonomy, and connect with peers, the issue of adolescent drug use is particularly pressing in our local Southern Appalachian community. For instance, substance abuse is 26% higher in adolescents in rural versus urban communities. We have partnered with the Grundy County Safe Communities Coalition to (a) develop and conduct a survey-based study on the prevalence, sources, and perceptions/attitudes related to alcohol and drug use in local adolescents, and (b) evaluate evidence-based drug education curricula that, based on the data collected above, would be most relevant and effective to this group of adolescents. This collaborative research projects aims to better characterize the factors contributing to adolescent substance use in Sewanee’s surrounding communities and help meet local groups’ goals of reducing drug use and dependence in vulnerable populations.