Childhood Victimization and Risk for Alcohol and Drug Arrests

Abstract

Using data from a prospective cohorts design study, this paper examines the relationship between early childhood victimization and subsequent arrest for alcohol-and/or drug-related offenses. Complete official criminal histories are compared for cases of childhood physical and sexual abuse and neglect (n = 908) and a control sample (n = 667). After controlling for relevant demographic characteristics, logistic regression analyses indicate that childhood maltreatment is a significant predictor of adult, but not juvenile, arrests for alcohol-and/or drug-related offenses. Differential responses to maltreatment by race and gender are discussed as well as limitations of the findings and future directions for research.

Key Words:

• Childhood victimization
• Child abuse and neglect
• Alcohol misuse
• Drug misuse
• Arrests