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.