The severity of
behavioral problems is associated with increased likelihood of alcohol
or illicit drug dependence (Table 3.7). Adolescents with significant
behavioral problems were
over seven times more likely
to report dependence than those with low behavioral problem scores.
Alcohol or illicit drug dependence was reported by approximately 2 percent
of adolescents with low behavioral problem scores, by 6 percent of those
with intermediate problem scores,and by 17 percent of those
with significant behavioral problems.
Within specific age groups,
dependence increased with the severity of behavioral problems. This
pattern was observed among both males and females for very young adolescents
aged 12 to 13, for adolescents aged 14 to 15, and for older adolescents
aged 16 to 17. Dependence on alcohol or illicit drugs
was highest among older adolescents aged 16 to 17 with serious behavioral
problems (26 percent). The corresponding rates for very young adolescents
aged 12 to 13 were 4 percent for males and 9 percent
for females.
SAMHSA, an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal
Government's lead agency for improving the quality and availability of
substance abuse prevention, addiction treatment, and mental health
services in the United States.
