Which adolescent profile is most strongly associated with higher likelihood of illicit drug use?

Which adolescent profile is most strongly associated with higher likelihood of illicit drug use?

• A. A 12-year-old who drinks beer once a month
• B. A 15-year-old who has tried a variety of alcoholic beverages
• C. A 16-year-old who dropped out and has smoked marijuana
• D. A 16-year-old honor student who occasionally smokes marijuana

Answer: (C)

Adolescents who show multiple risk factors, especially educational disengagement combined with actual illicit drug use, are most strongly associated with a higher likelihood of ongoing drug use. Dropping out reflects substantial risk—less supervision, fewer structured activities, and greater exposure to peers who may use substances. When that is paired with marijuana use, it signals progression from risk to ongoing, potentially escalating use. The other profiles show some experimentation with substances, but lack the combination of school disengagement and illicit drug use, or include protective factors like maintaining academic achievement, which generally lowers overall risk. Therefore, the 16-year-old who has dropped out and has smoked marijuana best fits the profile of highest risk for continued illicit drug use.

Adolescents who show multiple risk factors, especially educational disengagement combined with actual illicit drug use, are most strongly associated with a higher likelihood of ongoing drug use. Dropping out reflects substantial risk—less supervision, fewer structured activities, and greater exposure to peers who may use substances. When that is paired with marijuana use, it signals progression from risk to ongoing, potentially escalating use. The other profiles show some experimentation with substances, but lack the combination of school disengagement and illicit drug use, or include protective factors like maintaining academic achievement, which generally lowers overall risk. Therefore, the 16-year-old who has dropped out and has smoked marijuana best fits the profile of highest risk for continued illicit drug use.