Depends who offers and where offered: the context of drug offers and first time cannabis use

Research has shown that proximal sources (peers) are associated with substance use. Rarely examined, however, is the immediate context or the precise situation in which drugs are offered for the first time. The situation or context includes the nature of the relationship between the person offering and the adolescent receiving the offer, the location in which the offer occurs, and how these may affect the likelihood of accepting or rejecting a first offer. Using a subsample of 171 adolescent cannabis users, this study examines the likelihood of accepting a first offer as a function of social proximity and proximity of location. Results show that both of these elements matter in the decision to accept. More specifically, offers are more likely to be accepted when they come from best friends and when they are made in one's own home. The implications of these results for drug use prevention programs are discussed.