EXTENT OF DRUG-ABUSE AMONG JUVENILE-OFFENDERS

The extent of drug abuse problem severity was measured in a sample of juvenile detention detainees. Contrary to existing studies that mostly focus on drug use consumption patterns in juvenile detainees, the pre sent study quantified problem severity based on an adolescent drug abu se scale score. Findings indicate that among valid questionnaires, abo ut 50% of the juvenile detainees scored in a elevated range, indicatin g a possible need for drug abuse treatment. Issues related to the meas urement of problem severity and resulting treatment needs of youth hel d in juvenile detention settings are discussed.