NCJ Number
102279
Journal
Contemporary Drug Problems Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1986) Pages: 89-115
Date Published
1986
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This study found no significant relationship between criminal careers and alcohol consumption patterns for a cohort of young men in Marion County, Oreg., followed from age 16 to 31.
Abstract
A 1964 survey in all Marion County high schools was completed by approximately 95 percent of all students, including the 1,227 sophomore males which comprised the base population of this research. The study focused on the 302 persons having an official juvenile record. Starting in 1967, mailed questionnaires were used to obtain subject data on demographic variables, social variables, and self-reported alcohol abuse. Mailings were continued until 1979 with a retention rate of 67 percent. Subjects' crime data were obtained from official records. There was no significant relationship between drinking in adolescence and drinking in young adulthood, suggesting that adolescent drinking is an experimental or rebellious social activity. There was some relationship between juvenile and adult crime, in that the most serious delinquents were likely to become the most serious adult offenders. There was no direct relationship between alcohol consumption and crime, such that changes in crime patterns directly followed changes in alcohol consumption. There was an association between crime seriousness and drinking level during the adolescent years, but there was no significant relationship between crime seriousness and drinking at age 31. Study limitations are explored. 4 data tables and 78 references.