Patterns of Reasons for Drug Use among Detained and Adjudicated Juveniles

Abstract
Self-reported reasons for drug use were examined among a sample of detained and adjudicated juveniles at a state residential facility. By means of a series of factor analyses, 3 common motives or reasons for using a variety of drugs were identified: an expanded awareness-insight motive, a drug effect motive and an increased activity motive. No relationship was found between type of offense and drug use. Drug use may be a means of coping with stress as well as a means of altering consciousness.

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