In spite of these limitations, it should be pointed out that this is the first prospective study to evaluate the same multiplex offspring multiple times during childhood as well as several times in young adulthood in relating survival to familial risk. This extensive follow-up has provided prospectively collected data for improved estimation of the onset of specific psychiatric disorders that precede the onset of Substance Use Disorders. Future research is needed to evaluate whether early intervention programs focused on decreasing childhood externalizing and internalizing symptoms reduce the likelihood of substance use disorders in adulthood.
