Illicit drug use in adolescence: Associations with parenting styles, parental rules, and parental drug use

Abstract

In Europe, illicit drug use among adolescents and young adults is increasing. Parents play a crucial role in the prevalence of drug use among young people. The aim of our study was to examine and compare the effects of parenting styles, specific parental rules regarding illicit drug use, and parental illicit drug use on adolescents’ own use. The research sample consisted of 839 secondary school students from various educational programs in Slovenia, aged between 14 and 21 years. The association between lifetime illicit drug use among adolescents and their experiences with parental practices was assessed using logistic regression, with demographic, socio-economic, and educational factors controlled for in the multivariate model. Illicit drug use was defined as the use of medication with the intention of getting high, amphetamines, LSD, cocaine, heroin, glue or other inhalants, hallucinogenic mushrooms, a combination of alcohol and pills, ecstasy, and new psychoactive substances. Authoritarian parenting style of both mother and father (compared to authoritative) is significantly associated with an increased risk of adolescent drug use. Clear paternal disapproval of drug use acts as a protective factor, while maternal tolerance (i.e., lack of disapproval), surprisingly, significantly decreases the likelihood of adolescent drug use. Parental non-use of illicit drugs was not significantly associated with adolescent drug use in the multivariate model. The strongest predictor of adolescent illicit drug use was found to be the presence of paternal rules concerning illicit drug use. Considering the developmental sensitivity of adolescence, recognizing and promoting safe and supportive parental relationships is crucial for preventing risky behaviours. The findings are especially valuable for psychotherapeutic work with adolescents and their parents, as they provide a deeper understanding of how different parenting practices influence a child’s psychological resilience. The study offers a comprehensive view of maternal and paternal approaches and contributes an important foundation for developing therapeutic and preventive interventions in the Slovenian context.