A Longitudinal Study of the Relationships Among Alcohol Use, Marijuana/Hashish Use, Cocaine Use, and Emotional/Psychological Functioning Problems in a Cohort of High-Risk Youths

Abstract

There is increasing recognition that children involved in the justice system often have serious, multiple problems in the areas of physical abuse, sexual exploitation, and alcohol/other drug use (ADM). Using data collected in a longitudinal study of detained juveniles, we test a model of the relationships of these problems. Significant over-time interrelationships are found among these problems. Research and policy implications of these important findings are drawn.