The Relationship Between Physical and Sexual Abuse and Tobacco, Alcohol, and Illicit Drug Use Among Youths in a Juvenile Detention Center

Abstract

The relationships between child physical and sexual abuse and tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use are little understood and underinvestigated. Data gathered from a study of youths in a regional detention center permitted an examination of this issue. The results indicate that the youths' physical and sexual abuse experiences are significantly and positively related to their use of illicit drugs. The implications of these findings for further research are drawn.