SEXUAL AND DRUG-TAKING EXPERIENCES REPORTED BY RUNAWAY YOUTH

Adolescent and preadolescent sexual behaviors and drug involvement are disturbing public health issues. The correlates of initiation of thes e behaviors have been the subject of investigations of both in-school youth and youth in clinical settings. This study explored the extent o f the relationship between onset of sexual experiences and onset of su bstance use in a sample of runaway youth in Alaska. Initiation os sexu al activity significantly preceded the onset of drug-taking for all su bstances. Intercourse prior to the age of twelve was reported by 40% o f the youth. Implications for those providing care and education for t his group are explored.