Longitudinal Study of Drug Use and Delinquency in a National Sample of Youth - An Assessment of Causal Order

• NCJ Number: 84818
• Author(s): D H Huizinga; D S Elliott
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 96 pages
• Grant Number(s): 78-JN-AX-0003
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
• Corporate Author: Behavioral Research Instit
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: A Report of the National Youth Survey, Project Report number 16

Annotation

The study explores the longitudinal relationship between drug use and delinquency, based on data from the National Youth Survey (1977-79).

Abstract

Most youths who use drugs progress from alcohol use; to alcohol and marijuana use; to use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. Many youths remain at each stage of the progression. However, this provides no evidence for the 'stepping stone' theory that the use of one drug leads to or causes the use of another. Approximately 53 percent of the youth studied have no significant involvement in drug use; 24 percent use alcohol; 18 percent use alcohol and marijuana, and only 4 percent use alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. For the vast majority, drug use is not related to involvement in delinquent behavior. Among youths who use drugs and are engaged in delinquent behavior, the levels of delinquency are lowest among alcohol users; higher among alcohol and marijuana users; and highest among users of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. Involvement in delinquent behavior, especially minor offenses, precedes drug use. Increasing involvement in drug use is associated with increasing delinquent behavior. Numerous tables and about 30 references are provided. (Author summary modified)