Secular Trends in Hazardous Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among Youths in Residential Care

Strategic Insights -

A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has shed light on the concerning trend of hazardous alcohol and cannabis use among youths entering residential care. The research, which analyzed data from 2,256 youth aged 9-18, found that while secular trends in alcohol and cannabis use have declined in the general population, trends among high-risk youth in residential care are unclear. The study, conducted from 2015 to 2024, suggests that tailored interventions are necessary to address substance-related issues in this vulnerable population.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 2,256 youth aged 9-18 entering a Midwestern U.S. residential care facility from 2015 to 2024.
  • Hazardous alcohol use significantly increased over time among females, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.043 (SE = 0.026) per year.
  • Product-term logistic regressions revealed subgroup differences in hazardous alcohol and cannabis use, testing trends by age, sex, and race/ethnicity.
  • The research suggests that understanding these differences is crucial in addressing substance-related issues among high-risk youth in residential care.
  • The study found that hazardous alcohol and cannabis use were assessed using the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and CUDIT-R (Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test-Revised), respectively.
  • The study's conclusions have implications for ongoing monitoring and development of tailored interventions for youth entering residential care.

Statistics:

  • The study analyzed data from 2,256 youth aged 9-18.
  • Hazardous alcohol use increased over time among females, with an OR of 1.043 (SE = 0.026) per year.
  • The study spanned a 10-year period from 2015 to 2024.
  • The research used product-term logistic regressions to examine subgroup differences in hazardous alcohol and cannabis use.

Sources:

  • Secular Trends in Hazardous Alcohol and Cannabis Use from 2015 to 2024 in Diverse Subgroups of Youth Entering Residential Care. Substance Use & Misuse, 2025:1-9.
  • The University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
  • Taylor & Francis Inc, 530 Walnut Street, Ste 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA.