NCJ Number
201177
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 38 Issue: 7 Dated: 2003 Pages: 825-834
Editor(s)
Stanley Einstein Ph.D.
Date Published
2003
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined alcohol and drug use among incarcerated adolescents and expanded the knowledge base regarding juvenile offenders.
Abstract
This study explored alcohol and drug use in an adolescent training facility that houses, educates, and treats juvenile arrestees from diverse backgrounds. The intent was to investigate and identify possible patterns of alcohol and drug use related to illegal activities and juvenile incarceration. It examined the relationship between background characteristics, substance use, and illegal activity. The completion of this study occurred through record reviews of clinical intake data. The sample consisted of 186 male adolescents, aged 13 to 22 and adjudicated between 1997 and 2000. Of the 186 adolescents, 170 were enrolled in substance abuse treatment at the facility. Results of the study indicated that over half of the incarcerated adolescents from the sample reported regular use of alcohol, marijuana, and/or other illegal drugs. The study suggests the need for early and more intensive screening and intervention with at-risk adolescents. Future research is recommended for a longitudinal study of the relationship between substance use and criminal activity among juveniles. References