Violence and associated high-risk health behavior in adolescents. Substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy of adolescents.

The intricate relationship between the social and health behaviors of persons of all ages has long been described. In adolescent health care, the risk-taking behaviors that are recognized in the areas of sexuality, drug and alcohol abuse, and violence need to be addressed. This article discusses adolescent risk behaviors and their relationships to violence. Health care providers need to consider these risk behaviors as they care for adolescents.