Multivariate comparison of male and female adolescent substance abusers with accompanying legal problems

Abstract

Purpose-The factors that distinguish adolescent male and female substance abusers with and without legal problems were investigated.Method-Youths (N = 4,071) admitted for substance abuse treatment were administered the revised Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI-R) to measure severity of health, behavior, and social adjustment problems.Results-Legal problems were more frequent among boys; however, severity of disturbance was greater in girls on 9 of 10 scales. Substance abusing girls and boys with legal problems reported more severe behavior, substance abuse, family adjustment, and peer relationship problems than substance abusing peers without legal problems. Quality of peer relationship mediated the association of family dysfunction, substance abuse and behavior problems with legal problems in boys only.Conclusions-Gender and legal status both need to be taken into account to potentiate treatment prognosis of substance abusing youths.

Risk factors for legal involvement among a nationally representative sample of Hispanic adolescents

“…is highly underrepresented in juvenile offender literature (Puzzanchera, 2013). Further, sex predicted legal involvement and our findings were similar to previous studies that have indicated males are more likely to engage in criminal activity than their female counterparts (Cauffman, 2008;Tarter et al, 2011). It should be noted that female delinquency has grown in recent years and long-term outcomes may have a more pronounced impact on females than males (Cauffman, 2008).…”

“…Previous research among general youth populations indicated that the majority of youth in outpatient substance abuse programs reported involvement in illegal activities, other than substance use, possession, or status offenses . Previous research revealed youth who reported involvement in substance abuse and legal problems indicated they had severe substance abuse problems and had more other serious health and psychosocial outcomes than their youth counterparts who only reported substance abuse (Tarter et al, 2011). Interventions should have a comprehensive approach and target substance use and associated legal problems.…”

“…Furthermore, those who report legal issues may be at increased risk for peer relationship issues and family adjustment problems than those who have not been legally involved (Tarter, Kirisci, Mezzich, & Patton, 2011). Youth who have had legal problems are more likely to report increased rates of substance use, injury, dropping out of school and even early pregnancy for females (Juvenile Justice, 2008).…”

Continued Detention Involvement and Adolescent Marijuana Use Trajectories

“…Consistent with the snares hypothesis, several studies have found continued detention involvement to be a catalyst for sustained and/or increased substance use (e.g., Keene, 1997;Mancha, RojasNeese, & Latimer, 2010;Tarter, Kirisci, Mezzich, & Patton, 2011;Tolou-Shams, Brown, Gordon, & Fernandez, 2007). Specifically, placement in detention clusters youth with a higher proportion of high-risk and delinquent peers, which could exacerbate substance use and risk behavior (e.g., Dishion, McCord, & Poulin, 1999;Wolfe & Shoemaker, 1999).…”

Addiction and criminal justice: Empirical findings and theory for advancing public safety and health

“…Tarter, Kirisci, Mezzich, and Patton (2011) examine the factors that distinguish male and female adolescent substance abusers who have had and not had contact with the criminal justice system. Using a large sample (N = 4,071) Tarter et al find that substance abusing girls and boys with legal problems reported more severe externalizing behavior, substance abuse, family adjustment, and peer relationship problems than substance abusing peers without legal problems.…”