In this study, the researchers looked at whether early onset of gambling or substance use between age 10 to 12 predicted later gambling and substance use behaviours at age 17. In the analysis, they also considered the potential influence of individual, familial, and social risk factors known to contribute to these behaviours. The sample included 1,270 participants who were part of a Canadian birth cohort born between 1997 and 1998. Youth who started gambling or using substances between 10 and 12 years old were more likely to engage in these behaviours later in adolescence.
Youth who were involved in both gambling and substance use before adolescence had the highest levels of later gambling and substance use problems. Early gambling also predicted later substance use, but not the reverse. The findings can inform prevention efforts in identifying youth at risk for later addictive behaviours.
