| This study examines the number of adverse childhood experiences among juvenile justice youth and the cumulative impact on substance use disorders in emerging adulthood. We used data from the Northwestern Juvenile Project, a large-scale longitudinal study examining the health needs and outcomes of 1,829 youth sampled upon intake to juvenile detention from 1995-1998. The present study assessed adverse childhood experiences using data collected at interviews when participants were 18 years old and younger. To assess substance use disorders, we used data from follow-up interviews when participants were close to age 25. We chose to examine substance use disorders during emerging adulthood because this is a critical developmental period, when substance use problems can significantly interfere with social role development.;This study shows that multiple types of adverse childhood experiences are prevalent among delinquent youth, with males experiencing an average of 6 types of childhood adversity and females experiencing 7.3 types, significantly more than males. Across both genders, non-Hispanic white youth had significantly higher numbers of adverse childhood experiences. Number of adverse childhood experiences predicted risk for substance use disorders among females, but not among males. Females with more types of adverse childhood experiences were at increased risk for past-year drug use disorder in emerging adulthood, as well as lifetime alcohol and drug use disorders.;Given the high risk for childhood adversity and substance use disorders among delinquent youth, it is important to prevent adverse childhood experiences from accumulating and to provide comprehensive assessment strategies across service systems. Early intervention could prevent additional accumulation of adversities and could reduce risk for the development of substance use disorders, especially among females. Special attention must be paid to the unique needs of females involved in the juvenile justice system who have experienced childhood adversity, as they are particularly at risk for negative outcomes. |
