Trauma, drugs and violence among juvenile offenders

Trauma typically occurs when one experiences a situation where life has bee n threatened or lost. If the trauma is not resolved, negative residual effe cts may result in alcohol and drug use, involvement in violent activities a s well as the development of mental health problems such as posttraumatic s tress disorder (PTSD). Findings from a National Institute on Drug Abuse-fun ded study examining the link between trauma, drug use and violence among yo uth are presented. Results from interviews with 414 juveniles remanded to t he Office of Children and Family Services (formerly New York State Division For Youth) for assault, sexual assault, robbery or homicide, document the trauma experienced by these youth, as well as how it correlated with their drug usage and participation in violent, illegal activities. Discussion of these findings, their implications for understanding and intervening, and r ecommendations for future research are highlighted.