Polydrug use in Australian 12-14 year olds from 2006 to 2017: An examination of drug use profiles, emotional control problems, and family relationship characteristics

Objective: This study examined the nature and prevalence of polydrug use in 12-14 year old Australians. Method: Three Australian school surveys (2006, n=4091; 2009, n=5635; 2017, n=1539; age 12-14 years) spanning 11 years were used. Substances included alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, inhalant, and other illicit substances. Risk factors included depressed mood, low emotional control, poor family management and conflict, and academic performance. Latent class analysis was used to discern classes. Regression analyses were used to test the association of risk factors with classes. Results: Consistent across surveys, there was a class of adolescents who engaged in wide-ranging polydrug use, with prevalences ranging from 0.44% (2006) to 1.78% (2017). Emotional control problems, low academic performance, and poor family management were elevated in the polydrug class. Conclusion: A small proportion of 12-14-year-old adolescents engage in polydrug use. Interventions focusing on family risks and emotional control problems may be beneficial.