Race/Ethnic Disparity and Correlates of Substance Abuse Service Utilization and Juvenile Justice Involvement Among Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders

ABSTRACT

This study examines correlates of level of specialty alcohol/drug services care and juvenile justice system involvement for adolescents with substance use disorders. Participants were 420 adolescents 13-18 years of age randomly sampled from all youths active in at least one of five youth sectors of care in San Diego County, California. Adolescents were assessed using structured diagnostic interviews including the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-IV and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Substance Abuse Module. Analyses examined effects of age, sex, race/ethnicity, mental health disorders, functional impairment, and type and number of substance use disorders in relation to specialty and non-specialty services. Non-Caucasian youths were less likely to receive the least restrictive services and more likely to be found in juvenile justice settings. A number of SUDs (substance use disorders) were positively associated with outpatient, residential, and JJ (juvenile justice) services. Marijuana use disorder was positively associated and stimulant use disorder negatively associated with use of outpatient services. Ethnic disparities exist in relation to restrictiveness of specialty care and juvenile justice system involvement. Type of substance use disorder is also differentially associated with specialty care. Standardized assessment and treatment planning should be implemented across youth sectors of care in order to decrease racial/ethnic disparities and allow for appropriate services for youths with substance use disorders.

Key Words:

• Adolescent
• service utilization
• juvenile justice
• substance use
• alcohol
• drugs