Unstructured Socializing With Peers and Risk of Substance Use: Where Does the Risk Begin?

Abstract

Research finds that unstructured socializing with peers is positively associated with substance use, but important issues remain underexamined. Specifically, does the risk of substance use resulting from time spent engaged in unstructured socializing with peers begin immediately, or is a certain minimum threshold of time spent with peers required? To investigate this, data were collected on a statewide sample of adolescents from Florida. Results indicate the minimum required amount of time spent engaging in unstructured socializing with peers to pose a risk of alcohol or marijuana use is 3 to 5 hr per week. For tobacco use outcomes, the minimum number of hours required to pose a risk is higher, particularly for cigarette use, where risk begins at more than 20 hr per week. Supplementary analyses indicate that for alcohol and marijuana use there is a decelerating risk stemming from additional hours spent engaging in unstructured socializing with peers.