Studies of juveniles have shown mixed results, with some showing a precriminal involvement in substance abuse and others showing criminal activity preceding involvement in drug and alcohol use. A 1972 national study of 1,532 juveniles found that serious drug involvement was an important contributor to and indicator of the highest rates of offending for most forms of criminality. Several other studies have found relationships between substance abuse and juvenile homicide, serious offending, violence, and habitual offending. Although there appears to be a serious relationship between substance use and serious juvenile offending, more research is needed to elucidate the pattern of events leading to the relationship and the variables involved and how they interact. 15 endnotes.