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The relationship between physical and sexual abuse and drug use in a sample of juvenile detainees in Florida and a sample of committed youthful offenders in Colorado

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Abstract

The relationships between child physical and sexual abuse and illicit drug use are little understood and underinvestigated. Data gathered from a study of youths located in two different institutions for detained (Florida) and committed (Colorado) youthful offenders permitted an examination of this issue. The results indicate the youths' physical and sexual abuse experiences are significantly and positively related to their use of illicit drugs. The implications of these findings for further research are drawn.

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Dembo, R., Dertke, M., Tjaden, C.D. et al. The relationship between physical and sexual abuse and drug use in a sample of juvenile detainees in Florida and a sample of committed youthful offenders in Colorado. AJCJ 12, 198–218 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02888935

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