BACKGROUND: Peer groups have been shown to be a critical factor in influencing virtually every area of adolescent and young adult life. Peer influence has been recognized as a significant factor in lifestyle choices; particularly associated with risk-taking. The purpose of this study to measured the association between peer influence and drug/alcohol use among 18 and 19 year old youth. The Theory of Reasoned Action, Social Network Theory, and Peer Cluster Theory were used as the frameworks for this study. METHODOLOGY: The study consisted of eighty (N=80), male and female participants recruited from Flint, Michigan. Flyers were posted at local churches in Genesee County. Participants;; perception of peer influence in relationship to drug/alcohol use behavior was measured using a 19 item self administered questionnaire. Variables used to determine if a correlation existed between peer influence and drug/alcohol use were age, ethnicity, education, family environment, stressful life events. RESULTS: Education, family environment, and stressful life events showed no significant correlation between peer influence and drug alcohol use among the study population. However, the correlation between age and ethnicity proved to be stronger determinants in their relationship to peer influence and drug/alcohol use. CONCLUSION: Results of the study indicate an increase of peer influence with drug/alcohol use among 18 year old participants. According to the data African American youth showed a higher percentage of drug/alcohol use associated with peer influence than Caucasian and Multi-racial groups.
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