The correlates and predictors of suicidal behaviors among 900 young offenders in detention centers in South Australia are investigated. That young offenders are a high-risk population is confirmed, with a quarter of the youths reporting recent suicidal ideation and more than a quarter reporting having made a suicide attempt. Past suicide attempts are significantly predictive of future suicide attempts. Other variables both concurrently and prospectively associated with suicidal behaviors (even after controlling for prior suicide attempt status) are substance use, prolonged dysphoric mood, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder signs, and having a bad temper. These variables not only have predictive value but should also be considered as appropriate targets when intervening to reduce suicide risk. It is suggested that impulsiveness is an underlying common factor.

The problem considered is whether self-reported substance use can be used in the estimation of recidivism risk among youths placed in secure care. The Secure Care Psychosocial Screening (SECAPS) and offending records of 447 youths admitted to detention centres in South Australia were examined. The target outcome was any new offending within 6 months of release. Use of a psychoactive substance at the time of committing the most recent offence was not a significant predictor of subsequent offending, nor was acknowledging having a problem with drug or alcohol use. In relation to the recent use of alcohol, marijuana, hallucinogens, sedatives/hypnotics, narcotics, stimulants and inhalants, only the use of alcohol and inhalants appeared to have significant relationships with recidivism. While the relationships were too small to permit using these items on their own to estimate re-offending risk, recent alcohol and inhalant use could be included as part of a broader recidivism risk assessment. [Putniņs AL. Substance use and the prediction of young offender recidivism.

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Patterns of psychoactive substance use were examined among 216 young offenders in South Australian secure care facilities. Compared to four student samples (n = 1525), young offenders reported recent use of most substances considerably more often than did student peers. Almost one‐half used a substance at the time of committing their last offence. A subgroup of offenders (n = 126) was questioned about suicide attempts, mood, recent suicidal ideation and deliberate self‐injury. Past suicide attempts and deliberate self‐injury were found to be associated with increased substance use. Drawing on evidence from other studies it is argued that impulsiveness often underlies these behaviours and contributes to their covariation. Substance use can further increase impulsiveness and thereby exacerbate offending and suicide risk. Not only should substance use be considered in all assessments of antisocial and self‐destructive behaviour but innovative approaches to developing effective interventions for the reduction of substance misuse need to be encouraged. [PutniŅŠ A. Recent drug use and suicidal behaviour among young offenders. Drug Alcohol Rev 1995; 14:151–158]