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Multiple substance use disorders in juvenile detainees.
Gary M McClelland1, Katherine S Elkington, Linda A Teplin
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|September 24, 2004
Summary
Multiple substance use disorders (SUDs) are common among juvenile detainees, with nearly half experiencing one or more SUDs. Most detainees with any SUD have multiple disorders, highlighting the need for integrated treatment approaches.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Substance Abuse Research
- Criminology
Background:
- Juvenile detention centers house a vulnerable population with high rates of substance use disorders (SUDs).
- Understanding the prevalence and patterns of multiple SUDs in this demographic is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the 6-month prevalence of multiple SUDs in juvenile detainees.
- To analyze these prevalence rates across different demographic subgroups including sex, race/ethnicity, and age.
Main Methods:
- A random sample of 1,829 juvenile detainees (aged 10-18) participated.
- The Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version 2.3 assessed DSM-III-R SUDs.
- Statistical tests examined SUD combinations by demographic factors.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of detainees had at least one SUD; over 21% had two or more.
- Alcohol and marijuana use disorders were the most common combination.
- Individuals with alcohol use disorder frequently had co-occurring drug use disorders, and vice versa.
Conclusions:
- Multiple SUDs are the norm, not the exception, among detained youth with SUDs.
- Treatment strategies must address co-occurring SUDs in this population.
- Collaboration between clinicians, juvenile courts, and detention centers is vital for care continuity.