NCJ Number
208538
Date Published
November 2004
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This report presents 2003 national survey findings on the relationship between past year drug use and delinquent behavior among female youths.
Abstract
The 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) was administered to 11,028 female youths aged 12 to 17 years. The survey asked them to report how often they engaged in the following behaviors during the past 12 months: (a) serious fighting at school or work; (b) group fighting; (c) attacking someone with intent to seriously injure them; (d) stealing or trying to steal anything worth more than $50; (e) selling illegal drugs; or (f) carrying a handgun. Youths were also asked about their use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, or illicit drugs during the past year. Results indicated that in 2003, 20 percent of female youths engaged in serious fighting at school or work, while 16.8 percent of female youths reported taking part in group fighting. A full 36.5 percent of female youths reported using alcohol and 21.9 percent reported using an illicit drug during the past year. Past year substance use was the most frequently reported delinquent behavior among female youth in 2003. Table, figures, endnotes