High childhood IQ linked to subsequent illicit drug use

November 15, 2011

Science Daily/BMJ-British Medical Journal

A high childhood IQ may be linked to subsequent illegal drug use, particularly among women, new research suggests.

"Although most studies have suggested that higher child or adolescent IQ prompts the adoption of a healthy lifestyle as an adult, other studies have linked higher childhood IQ scores to excess alcohol intake and alcohol dependency in adulthood," write the authors.

Although it is not yet clear exactly why there should be a link between high IQ and illicit drug use, the authors point to previous research, showing that highly intelligent people are open to experiences and keen on novelty and stimulation.

Other research has also shown that brainy children are often easily bored and suffer at the hands of their peers for being different, "either of which could conceivably increase vulnerability to using drugs as an avoidant coping strategy," explain the authors.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111114221018.htm