The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #36873

Valerie Johnson, PhD, Center of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University, 607 Allison Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, 732-445-2424, vjohnson@rci.rutgers.edu

There is evidence linking both substance use and negative affective states among probands with familial alcoholism. However, the methods used to classify familial risk have varied across studies. This longitudinal, prospective study examined the alcohol and marijuana use trajectories (over a 20-year time span), as well as affective (including arousal needs, negative affect and depression) differences between young adults from families classified by four different methods as to the presence or absence of a lifetime diagnosis of alcohol use disorder and depression. Data were obtained from a community sample who participated in the Rutgers Health and Human Development Study. These probands were a non-clinical sample who were originally tested in 1979-81 at the age of 12, 15, or 18 (T1). Subjects were assessed using standardized inventories, self-report questionnaires and individual interviews three (T2), six (T3), and 13 (T4) years later (N=1200). The Family History-Research Diagnostic Criteria was administered to the probands and used to determine lifetime diagnoses of alcohol use disorders (FHA+) and depression (FHD+) in each first degree family member. Families were then grouped using four alternative classifications of parental and sibling alcohol and depression diagnoses. Results confirmed family group differences in negative affect, lifetime alcohol and marijuana use, and time 4 depression, but no differences in arousal needs. The method by which a subject was categorized into a family group resulted in somewhat subtle differences in the variation of the outcomes of interest.

Learning Objectives: Information acquired

• Learn a variety of means to characterize familial risk
• Understand the development of growth trajectories of alcohol and marijuana use
• Understand the association of familial risk with affective states and use Outcomes of participation
  • Identify subgroups of family risk factors
  • Discuss associations between affective states and substance use After the presentation, the participant will be able to
    • List the types of "at-risk" families
    • Articulate the procedures for proband assessment of family risk
    • Articulate the substance use patterns found for subjects over a 20 year period

    Keywords: Alcohol Use, Marijuana

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:
    I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

    Poly-Drug Use: Multiple Problems, Multiple Challenges Poster Session

    The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA