How High School Policies Shape Substance Use

In partnership with NAHIC, researchers at Child Trends used national longitudinal data to examine how high school policies shape substance use in young adulthood. The brief examines several policies, as well as individual, family and peer factors relevant to substance use. Research findings suggest that policies to promote a positive school environment are more likely to influence substance use in young adulthood than are “harsh deterrence policies” or in-school education or treatment programs. Factors outside of school, such as peer and parent drinking, are also predictive of drinking habits in young adulthood.

The brief can be downloaded here:

School Policies, School Connection and Adolescents: What Predicts Young Adult Substance Use