Substance use, risky behaviors, and victimization among a US national adolescent sample

Data from the National Adolescent Student Health Survey were used to study the interrelations among substance use, risky (dangerous) behaviors, and victimization among 8th and 10th graders. Pearson correlations indicated significant associations between substance use and both higher levels of risky behaviors (e.g., hitchhiking, going on a blind date) and victimization among adolescents. Regression analyses indicated the potency of risky behaviors as a predictor of victimization for male adolescents, and a significant risky behavior by illicit drug use interaction for female adolescents. Results are discussed with regard to potential short- and long-term health consequences of risky behaviors and violent victimization for psychological development in adolescence and adulthood.