Trauma, Delinquency, and Substance Use: Co-Occurring Problems for Adolescent Girls in the Juvenile Justice System

• NCJ Number: 244173
• Journal: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 22 Issue: 5 Dated: November-December 2013 Pages: 450-465
• Author(s): Dana K. Smith; Lisa Saldana
• Date Published: November 2013
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): MH054257; K23 MH070684; RO1 DA024672; P30 DA023920; KDA021603
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The relationship among childhood sexual abuse, childhood physical abuse, other types of childhood trauma, and rates of substance use during adolescence were examined for girls in the juvenile justice system.

Abstract

Girls in the juvenile justice system are known to have high rates of co-occurring childhood abuse, trauma, and substance abuse. Girls with this constellation of problems are at high risk for serious adverse outcomes, including problems with drug dependence and abuse. The relationship among childhood sexual abuse, childhood physical abuse, other types of childhood trauma, and rates of substance use during adolescence were examined for girls in the juvenile justice system. As expected, childhood sexual abuse was significantly related to girls' substance use during adolescence. In contrast to prior research, no link was found between physical abuse, lifetime trauma, and substance use. Limitations and future directions are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.