Dual alcohol and cannabis use in male and female adolescents: Relationships with family variables

Family dynamics influence adolescents' use of alcohol and other substances, such as cannabis. The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between family variables and alcohol use, dual use of alcohol and cannabis, and non-use in adolescents according to sex. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample comprised 879 adolescents (56.4 % boys; M(SD)age = 14.25 (1.88) years). Multinomial regression analysis showed that for boys, the presence of family conflict increased the likelihood of being an alcohol (OR = 1.19) and dual (OR = 1.23) user rather than a non-user. For girls, communication reduced the probability of being an alcohol user (OR = 0.88), and the presence of consequences for breaking rules reduced the probability of being a dual user rather than a non-user (OR = 0.83) or an alcohol user (OR = 0.84). These findings highlight the importance of family prevention of adolescents' substance use, bearing in mind the participants' sex.

Family Conflict and the Use of Conventional and Electronic Cigarettes in Adolescence: the Role of Impulsivity Traits

Adolescents’ use of tobacco is a worldwide problem due to the negative consequences on their physical and psychosocial development. One contextual variable related to tobacco use is family conflict. Previous research has suggested that the relationship between family conflict and tobacco use could be mediated by personality traits. The aim of this study is to examine the direct and indirect effects of family conflict on tobacco use (conventional and electronic cigarettes) through specific impulsivity constructs. The sample comprised 879 adolescents (56.4% male; M(SD)age = 14.25 (1.88) years). Multiple mediational analysis showed that there was no significant direct effect between family conflict and tobacco use; however, an indirect effect was found between family conflict and conventional cigarette use through sensation seeking and premeditation. With electronic cigarettes, a significant indirect effect was found via sensation seeking. These findings have implications in terms of prevention and treatment of tobacco use during adolescence.