It is well known that adolescents and young adults often use substances in social contexts such as parties. Parties that include alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs can be harmful and encourage students to use readily available substances, as well as establish unhealthy perceptions of norms of substance use. A recent study detailed the specific substances at parties attended by 15-20 year olds.
A large sample of 15-20 year olds from across the United States completed an online survey, reporting their party attendance and substance use within the past year. 1,089 participants, over half of those surveyed, had attended a party with alcohol present. At the last party attended, 60.3% had alcohol only, 24.9% had alcohol and marijuana, and 10% included alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs. The most commonly present illicit drug category was misuse of prescription drugs.
Parties that were attended by younger individuals, were larger in size, and in states where recreational marijuana use was legal were far more likely to have alcohol and marijuana. Parties where majority of attendees were over 21 years old were less likely to have alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drug use. Interestingly, maternal education level was related to attendance of parties with illicit drugs, and a lower education level appeared to make this more likely.
This study provides information on the exposure of substances that adolescents and young adults experience. Even though only 10% of parties attended had alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs present, it is important to note that almost all parties had alcohol present. This can contribute to the perception of substance use norms as adolescents become young adults and continue to attend parties.
Take Away: Individuals under 21 years of age and with mothers with lower education levels are more likely to attend parties with both alcohol and marijuana, or with alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs. Also, larger parties are more likely to have more substances present.