@article{ref1,
title="Longitudinal associations between diurnal cortisol slope and alcohol use across adolescence: A seven-year prospective study",
journal="Psychoneuroendocrinology",
year="2015",
author="Ruttle, Paula L. and Maslowsky, Julie and Armstrong, Jeffrey M. and Burk, Linnea R. and Essex, Marilyn J.",
volume="56",
number="",
pages="23-28",
abstract="A large body of research has linked hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and alcohol consumption, including work suggesting that flatter diurnal cortisol slopes are associated with greater alcohol use. A lack of longitudinal studies and a focus on adult and alcoholic populations leaves unclear whether such associations are also present in younger, non-clinical populations and whether flatter diurnal slopes are a consequence of or preexisting risk factor for alcohol use; however, theory suggests such associations may be mutually reinforcing. In a longitudinal, community sample of 200 (55% female) adolescents, the current study demonstrates that flatter diurnal cortisol slope at age 11 predicts higher levels of alcohol use from ages 15-18, and that heavier alcohol use in turn predicts further flattening of diurnal cortisol rhythm at age 18.5. This is the first study to demonstrate a longitudinal chain of associations between diurnal cortisol slope and alcohol use. <br><br>FINDINGS support contemporary theoretical models of the neurobiological processes underlying alcohol use and can inform future research on risk factors for and consequences of underage drinking.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0306-4530",
doi="10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.02.019",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.02.019"
}