The extent of drug abuse problem severity was measured in a sample of juvenile detention detainees. Contrary to existing studies that mostly focus on drug use consumption patterns in juvenile detainees, the present study quantified problem severity based on an adolescent drug abuse scale score. Findings indicate that among valid questionnaires, about 50% of the juvenile detainees scored in a elevated range, indicating a possible need for drug abuse treatment. Issues related to the measurement of problem severity and resulting treatment needs of youth held in juvenile detention settings are discussed.
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