Introduction: This study examines service utilization patterns in alcohol/drug (AD) and juvenile justice (JJ) sectors of care for adolescents with behavioral problems and substance involvement (SI) (i.e., use, abuse, dependence). Method: Participants included 904 adolescents ages 13-18 (M=15.88; SD=1.56). Two-thirds were male, 33% were Caucasian, 32% Latino, 21% African-American, 7% Asian/Pacific-Islander. Conduct Disorder (CD) was assessed by youth and parent report using DISC-IV. Youth report on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Substance Abuse Module was used to assess use, abuse, and dependence of alcohol, cannabis, amphetamines, hallucinogens, cocaine, and opioids. We obtained caregiver report of service utilization using the Services Assessment for Children and Adolescents. Results: We found that both CD and SI were associated with increased use of services. Specifically, we found both CD (p<.01) and SI (p<.001) were associated with increased use of JJ services. We found a significant interaction for CD and SI such that for youth with low levels of SI, CD was associated with higher levels of JJ service utilization but as SI increased the effect of CD diminished (p<.05). We also found that SI was the primary predictor of receipt of AD services (p<.001). Implications: The relationship of CD and SI to service utilization appears to be complex and may vary in relation to severity of disorder and type of service sector involvement. Increased understanding of these associations may help providers to deliver more appropriate services to youth who present with comorbid behavioral and substance use problems.
Learning Objectives: Describe the relationship between adolescent behavioral problems, substance abuse, and public service utilization
Keywords: Adolescents, Service Delivery
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.