Antisocial behaviour among young Australians while under the influence of illicit drugs

Abstract

While the link between illicit drug use and criminal behaviour is frequently noted, comparatively little is known about which drugs are most likely to shape this behaviour, and about the role of early initiation into drug use. This study uses a large, national population survey to examine these relationships, focusing on adolescents and young adults who report illicit drug use. The results show that about one in 10 young Australians had engaged in some form of antisocial behaviour in the previous 12 months following drug use, and that such behaviour peaked at almost one in five males at the age of 19 years. Antisocial behaviour while under the influence of drugs is closely associated with the use of marijuana, amphetamines and inhalants. Age of initiation was relatively unimportant in predicting this antisocial behaviour, with the exception of the early use of marijuana. Overall, the results confirm the importance of delaying marijuana use for as long as possible in order to reduce these behaviours.