NCJ Number
234844
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 39 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2011 Pages: 218-223
Date Published
June 2011
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between marijuana and alcohol use during adolescence and the transmissible risk for substance use disorder and the number of lifetime violent offenses.
Abstract
Study results indicate an association between transmissible risk for substance use disorder and the lifetime number of different types of violent offenses with an increased rate of marijuana use in adolescence. The findings indicate no comparable association between increased rate of alcohol use in adolescence and an increase in the number of lifetime violent offenses. The study explored the association between an increase in the rate of marijuana and alcohol use in adolescent with an increased risk for substance use disorder and an increase in the number of lifetime violent offenses. Data were obtained from a longitudinal study of a sample (n=359) of 10-12 year old youths that were administered the transmissible liability index. Past year frequency of alcohol and marijuana use was tracked until age 22, at which time the number of lifetime violent offenses was recorded. Analysis of the findings indicate that and increased rate of marijuana use, but not alcohol use, increased the risk substance use disorders and the rate of lifetime violent offenses. The findings show that prevention efforts directed towards lowering the risk for substance use disorder may also reduce the associated risk for violent offending. Study limitations are discussed. Tables, figures, and references