Pubertal Timing Linked to Substance Use in Boys, According to Study

A recent study has found that early pubertal timing may be a risk factor for early-onset substance use in boys. The research, published in the journal Substance Use & Misuse, analyzed data from a survey of 2,587 middle school students in Appalachian communities. The study found that boys who experienced early pubertal development were more likely to start using cannabis and alcohol, but not tobacco, at an earlier age.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that early pubertal timing was associated with an increased likelihood of onset of cannabis and alcohol use for boys, but not girls.
• Pubertal tempo was not associated with the onset of substance use.
• The research concluded that prevention programming starting in the first year of middle school is recommended to prevent early-onset substance use.
• The study used a longitudinal design, with surveys administered to middle school students every six months from the 6th to the 8th grade.
• The researchers employed Latent Growth Curve Modeling (LGCM) to analyze the influence of baseline levels and rate of growth in puberty as predictors of substance use onset, stratified by sex/gender.
• The study highlights the importance of early intervention in addressing substance use among adolescents.

Statistics:

• 2,587 students participated in the survey.
• 49.4% of the students were boys.
• The study found that early pubertal development was associated with an increased likelihood of onset of cannabis and alcohol use for boys, but not girls.
• The research concluded that prevention programming should begin in the first year of middle school to prevent early-onset substance use.

Sources:

• Pubertal Development and the Onset of Substance Use Among Appalachian Youth: A Longitudinal Study. Substance Use & Misuse, 2025:1-5.
• Taylor & Francis Inc.: 530 Walnut Street, Ste 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA.