A Comparison of Underage, Young, Middle, and Late Adults in Indicated Prevention Following Impaired Driving

Abstract

The authors examined age differences in baseline features and program response in individuals completing indicated prevention (Prime For Life®) for impaired driving. Risk perception, substance use, and support differed by age at baseline and, despite improvements, continued to differ postprogram.

A Lifestyle Risk Reduction Model for Preventing High-Risk Substance Use Across the Lifespan

“…For example, risk perception is a psychosocial characteristic that can vary by age. Researchers have found younger adults report lower perception of the risks associated with alcohol use than older participants (Schumacher et al, 2018 ; Waddell, 2022 ). In terms of cannabis risk, Waddell ( 2022 ) found overall risk perception became more permissive in the U.S. from 2002 to 2019.…”

“…Social network characteristics are also psychosocial characteristics that vary by age. Schumacher et al ( 2018 ) found older adults reported less social support and fewer individuals who might support them in making changes in substance use. Similarly, researchers found age-associated life events and contexts, such as losing a loved one or caring for a child or grandchild, might influence trajectories of alcohol and drug use, including after alcohol and drug treatment (Jessup et al, 2014 ).…”

“…People above, versus below, the legal drinking age showed no difference in probabilities of transitioning to a lower risk profile ( OR s = 0.54 to 2.56, all ns ). Another study of 18 to 82-year-olds (Schumacher et al, 2018 ) focused specifically on whether age (parsed into four categories) was associated with eleven outcomes. These outcomes represented four concepts targeted by PFL and LRRM: social support, perceived risk, prior and intended alcohol/drug use, and prior and intended driving under the influence.…”