Publications

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

Toni Makkai and Ian McAllister

Published in:
Australian and New Zealand journal of criminology, 36(2), August 2003.

Abstract

The link between illicit drug use and criminal behaviour is investigated through an analysis of the findings of the 1998 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, with a focus 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.