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Prevalence of Drug Use Prior to Detention Among Residents of Youth Detention Centres in Queensland

NCJ Number
180088
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: June 1999 Pages: 145-152
Author(s)
Christopher Lennings; Monica Pritchard
Editor(s)
John B. Saunders
Date Published
1999
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study measured the prevalence of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use as well as other high-risk behaviors prior to detention in a population of youth in detention in Queensland (Australia).
Abstract
Research into juvenile delinquency has established a strong connection between delinquent behavior and drug use. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a number of youth coming into detention in Queensland are suffering physical, behavioral, and emotional consequences of their drug use prior to detention. Between December 1995 and January 1996, a total of 118 youths in detention were surveyed regarding their drug-using behavior prior to detention. This represented 90 percent of the average total population in detention. The average age of the sample was 15.6 years; 90 percent were males. Over 90 percent of the population had used (or at least tried) pain relievers, other medicines, cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco. The use of the so-called "hard drugs" was high, with 47 percent having tried amphetamines, 35 percent admitting to having tried heroin, and 64 percent having used hallucinogens at least once. Data regarding harm-minimization practices showed that 42 percent had injected drugs; of these, half had shared a needle at least once. Approximately 90 percent were sexually active; of these, only about 20 percent always used a condom. 1 table and 21 references