Bullying a risk factor for SUDs?

Bullying a risk factor for substance use disorders?

Examining a group of nearly 9,600 U.S. students in grades 6 through 10, a pair of researchers led by Jorge Srabstein, M.D., of the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., found that 39 percent had been either a perpetrator of bullying, a victim, or both. These youths were at higher risk of any form of physical injury than were those youths not involved in any bullying activity.

Yet the researchers found that the group of perpetrators was at higher risk for some behaviors not seen in the group of victims. These behaviors included use of alcohol or any type of drug, as well as problems in the classroom.