Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2001;19(3):19-29.
doi: 10.1300/j020v19n03_02.

Relationship Between Service Utilization and Runaway Youths' Alcohol and Other Drug Use

Natasha Slesnick  1 , Melissa Meade, J Scott Tonigan
Affiliations

Relationship Between Service Utilization and Runaway Youths' Alcohol and Other Drug Use

Natasha Slesnick et al. Alcohol Treat Q. 2001.

Abstract

Runaway youths represent a vulnerable, high-risk population that has received little societal attention. Studies show that youths at greatest need are the least likely to access mental health, medical, and other social services. This study evaluated service utilization, including medical visits, psychological, alcohol and drug counseling and 12-step attendance, and substance use. Runaway youths (n = 51) between the ages of 12 and 17 with a diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence were recruited from two southwestern runaway shelters. Results showed that psychological counseling and medical visits were associated with less alcohol use while 12-step attendance was associated with more alcohol use at pretreatment. Service utilization was not associated with illicit drug use. The findings suggest that alcohol and other drug use are affected differently by service utilization in this sample of youths. More research is required to evaluate and develop treatments which can effectively intervene with this high-risk group.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Anderson JE, Freese TE, Pennbridge JN. Sexual risk behavior and condom use among street youth in Hollywood. Family Planning Perspectives. 1994;26:22–25. - PubMed
    1. Booth RE, Zhang Y. Severe aggression and related conduct problems among runaway and homeless adolescents. Journal of Research on Adolescence. 1996;7:375–392. - PubMed
    1. Cauce AM, Morgan CJ, Wagner V, Moore E, Sy J, Wurzbacher K, Weeden K, Tomlin S, Blanchard T. Effectiveness of intensive case management for homeless adolescents: Results of a 3-month follow-up. Special Series: Center for Mental Health Services Research Projects. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. 1994;2:219–227.
    1. De Rosa CJ, Montgomery SB, Kipke MD, Iverson E, Ma JL, Unger JB. Service utilization among homeless and runaway youth in Los Angeles, California: Rates and reasons. Journal of Adolescent Health. 1999;24:449–458. - PubMed
    1. Forst ML, Crim D. A substance use profile of delinquent and homeless youths. Journal of Drug Education. 1994;24:219–231. - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources