Alcohol Use and HIV Risk Among Juvenile Drug Court Offenders

• NCJ Number: 239759
• Journal: Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: April - June 2012 Pages: 178-188
• Author(s): Marina Tolou-Shams, Ph.D.; Christopher D. Houck, Ph.D.; Nicole Nugent, Ph.D.; Selby M. Conrad, Ph.D.; Ayanaris Reyes; Larry K. Brown, Ph.D.
• Date Published: June 2012
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses the effects of alcohol and marijuana use on sexual activity.

Abstract

Juvenile drug courts (JDCs) largely focus on marijuana and other drug use interventions. Yet, JDC offenders engage in other high-risk behaviors, such as alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors, which can compromise their health, safety, and drug court success. An examination of alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors among 52 male substance-abusing young offenders found that over 50 percent were using alcohol, 37 percent reported current marijuana use, and one third of all sexual intercourse episodes were unprotected. After accounting for recent marijuana use, the odds of a juvenile having vaginal or anal sex was 6 times greater if they had recently used alcohol. JDCs might benefit from delivering alcohol and sexual risk reduction interventions to fully address the needs of these young offenders. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.