title: Initiation into drug abuse: the pathway from being offered drugs to trying cannabis and progression to intravenous drug abuse.
abstract: The aim of the study was to analyse the initiation process into illicit drug use focusing on three endpoints which can be seen as stages in the drug career: being offered drugs, using cannabis and using intravenous drugs. Questionnaire data were available on 23,482 men, aged 18-20 years, conscripted for military service in 1969-70. The association between family background, social conditions, other illicit drug use, emotional control and the three endpoints were analysed. Although many conscripts tried cannabis, a smaller number continued with intravenous drug abuse. These were in general characterised by poor emotional control and a history of social maladjustment, and early onset of use. Our findings give further evidence for social maladjustment as a causative factor for illicit drug use and for the role of cannabis as a stepping stone to heavy drug abuse.
authors: Karolinska Institute, Department of Social Medicine, Kronan Health Centre, Sundbyberg, Sweden.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Stenbacka
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Allebeck
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Romelsjö
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002188:Cannabis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D012923:Social Class; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs