NCJ Number
153130
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 24 Issue: 1 and 2 Dated: (Winter/Spring 1994) Pages: 9-24
Date Published
1994
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examines fluctuations in the type and rate of delinquency as a function of the onset, continuation, and discontinuation of illegal drug use and drug dealing.
Abstract
The boys in the study were part of a longitudinal survey on the causes and correlates of early types of delinquency and substance use. The original sample (n=2,573) comprised three groups of first, fourth, and seventh grade boys who were randomly selected from the rolls of public schools in Pittsburgh, Pa. About one-third of each sample was screened in the spring of 1987 with the remainder of the participants being screened in the spring of 1988. All the boys whose risk score placed them in the top 30 percent of the most serious delinquent participants at wave 1 were included for followup, with the remainder being selected from the participants whose risk score did not place them in the most serious group of delinquent boys. The followup assessment occurred at half-yearly intervals and again involved interviews with the boy, the primary caretaker, and the teacher of the child. The study subjects included 506 urban adolescent males between the ages 13 and 15, who were followed up over six half-yearly data waves. Previous involvement in property offenses increased the risk of the onset of illegal drug use, while previous involvement in both property and person-related offenses increased the risk of the onset of drug dealing. The onset of drug use or drug dealing was associated with an increase in person-related offenses and carrying a concealed weapon. Initiation of drug dealing was uniquely related to an increased frequency of property offenses, particularly car-related theft and fraud. Discontinuation of illegal drug use or drug dealing was associated with a decrease in delinquency. 5 tables and 22 references