Family dinners may reduce teen alcohol and drug use, study finds

A U.S. survey of 2,090 adolescents and their parents found that higher-quality family meals were associated with 22%–34% lower reported alcohol, cannabis and e-cigarette use among teens with lower levels of childhood adversity. The study reported limited benefit of shared meals for adolescents with adversity scores equivalent to four or more adverse childhood experiences.

New research looks at whether regularly sharing meals as a family relates to adolescent substance use in the United States. Researchers analyzed online survey responses from 2,090 adolescents aged 12 to 17 and their parents. The study rated family meal quality by factors such as communication, enjoyment, digital distractions and logistical challenges. Authors report links between higher-quality family meals and lower reported alcohol, cannabis and e-cigarette use for many adolescents. Key findings: - The study used online survey data from 2,090 U.S. adolescents (ages 12–17) and their parents. - Higher-quality family meals — measured by communication, enjoyment, fewer distractions and smoother logistics — were associated with a 22% to 34% reduction in reported alcohol, cannabis or e-cigarette use among adolescents with lower levels of childhood adversity. - For adolescents whose adversity scores equaled four or more adverse childhood experiences, shared meals alone appeared to offer limited protection. - Researchers weighted different adverse experiences based on prior links to substance use and used reports from both parents and teens. - Margie Skeer, the study's lead author and a Tufts University professor, said the findings reinforce the value of routine family connection and noted that youth with severe stressors may need more targeted, trauma-informed approaches. - The authors noted that the study's cross-sectional design and online recruitment limit its ability to establish cause and effect and may affect generalizability. Summary: The study reports that higher-quality family meals are linked to lower reported substance use for many adolescents, particularly those with lower levels of childhood adversity. The association does not prove causation, and effects were smaller for adolescents with high adversity scores. Undetermined at this time.