Characteristics associated with rapid transition to tobacco dependence in youth

Abstract

Epidemiologic data suggests the smoking trajectory for some adolescents escalates rapidly and that tobacco dependence can develop quickly after initiation. In this study, we examine variation in cigarette consumption and individual characteristics associated with the rapid development of tobacco dependence, focusing particularly on the 24-month interval after tobacco initiation. The analysis is based on public use data files of the National Household Survey on Drug Abuse conducted in 1994-1996. Representative samples of adolescents aged 12-17 years old, totaling 13,831, completed a standardized interview assessing demographic characteristics, tobacco involvement and past year dependence, and psychological functioning over the preceding 6-month period as assessed by the Youth Self-Report. Analyses were restricted to the 1,734 youth who had started smoking within 0-24 months prior to being assessed, of which the onset for 70% of them was between 11-24 months. Logistic regression models took into account sample weights and used a variance estimation procedure appropriate for the complex multistage sampling design. Overall, 210 recent initiators met dependence criteria (13.5%, 95% CI=12.0-15.2). Dependent smokers had greater cigarette involvement than youth who had not transitioned to being tobacco dependent by the time of assessment. Variation in mental health and sociodemographic characteristics were also detected. Disruptive behavior (p=.05) and being female (p=.02) were associated with being tobacco dependent. The rapid transition to dependence in youth depends not only on cigarette consumption features, but may also be associated with individual characteristics.

Polydrug use trajectories and differences in impulsivity among adolescents

“…Participants displaying a ‘Telescoped use’ trajectory did not report frequent use of any substance until the last assessment. Previous studies have reported accelerated progressions from the onset of alcohol ( Jackson, 2010 ), tobacco ( Storr, 2008 ) or marijuana use ( Derefinko et al, 2016 ) to their abuse or dependence. However, evidence regarding concurrent use of different substances is still scarce and only exists among adults ( Lewis, Hoffman, & Nixon, 2014 ).…”

Substance Use Disorders and Adolescent Psychopathology

“…Studies using data obtained from one such tool, the Youth Self-Report (YSR) developed by Achenbach, 41 find emotional and/or behavioral problems to be associated with substance use. [42][43][44] Problem behaviors have also been associated with a rapid development of nicotine dependence among youth who recently initiated smoking 45 and with both single and multiple SUDs in early adulthood. 46 It takes time and resources to assess a variety of psychiatric and SUDs.…”

Sex and ovarian hormones influence vulnerability and motivation for nicotine during adolescence in rats

“…Additionally, adolescents, particularly female adolescents, seem to progress more rapidly to nicotine dependence after initial use than adults (SAMHSA 2007) and show higher rates of dependence, even though adolescents report smoking fewer cigarettes than do adults (Tanski et al 2004; Storr 2008). Despite these findings, and the fact that smoking generally begins during adolescence, most animal studies have focused on adult males (but see McQuown et al 2007; Shram et al 2008a; b; Levin et al 2007; Adriani et al 2003).…”