The link between juvenile delinquency and drug use has significant implication in the adolescent justice interventions. Many studies have indicated that most juveniles that get involved with crime tend to have problems with drug use (Gatti, Tremblay, Vitaro, " McDuff, 2005). Therefore, gaining more understanding concerning the dynamic patterns of delinquency behavior and drug use is critical in redefining the treatment options available for juveniles. Additionally, it helps in finding ways of preventing and dealing with delinquency behavior. There are many studies on the nexus between juvenile delinquency and drug abuse (Gatti, Tremblay, Vitaro, " McDuff, 2005). The essay will thus provide a detailed insight into the link between juvenile delinquency and drug use, the available data, and policy considerations.
Prevalence of Drug Abuse among the Juveniles
The use of alcohol and other drugs among the adolescence cause harm not only to them but also to their families and communities. The primary reason is that several studies show that there is a strong correlation between juvenile delinquency and drug use. Since the late 1990s, the use of illicit drugs among adolescents has significantly increased, which should raise serious concerns (Gatti, Tremblay, Vitaro, " McDuff, 2005). According to Hawkins, et al. (2009), drug use usually increases recidivism among the juveniles which presents a problem to the juvenile justice system. Also, a study by Gatti, Tremblay, Vitaro, " McDuff (2005) indicates that increased drug use is strongly associated with severe offenses. Moreover, when an adolescent abuses drug at a younger age, he or she has an increased probability of committing an acute or grave crime. A study in 2015 showed that 25% of adolescents arrested were users of alcohol and other drugs (Dunham " Lobos, 2015).
Many adolescents that abuse drugs tend to disengage with the community, their families, and even their peers. Therefore, they get alienated. Hence they cannot make positive contributions in their communities. According to Mulvey, Schubert, " Chaissin, (2010), many dispositional factors contribute to drug abuse among teenagers. Some of the significant coefficients are depression, withdrawal, apathy, developmental lag, and other mental or psychological disorders. Mulvey, Schubert, " Chaissin, (2010) indicate that teenagers that abuse drugs have increased the risk of developing psychiatric problems than teenagers that are non-users. The mental or psychological issues that the adolescents risk when using drugs include depression, suicidal thoughts, and personality disorders. Among many drugs that most teenagers use, alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are more prevalent than any other illicit drugs. Marijuana and alcohol have shown to interfere with learning abilities, short-term memories, and psychomotor skills (Hawkins et al. 2009).
According to Dunham " Lobos (2015), the average age in which juveniles begin experimenting with drugs, music, sexuality, and new social groups ranges between 12 and 14. In the United States, underage use of alcohol is a criminal activity. Dunham " Lobos (2015), indicate that use alcohol and any other drug severely hampers teenagers' judgment abilities. In many cases, the use of alcohol or any other illicit drug increases daredevil activities among the juveniles, which critically put their lives at risk. Furthermore, when teenagers use alcohol or any other drugs, they are always in danger of sexual assaults and also involvement in delinquency as part of their adventure finding missions. They also face the risk of contracting diseases such as HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (Gatti, Tremblay, Vitaro, " McDuff, 2005). Some of the issues that result from drug use among the juveniles include poor performance in schools, health-related problems, and family fallouts. These aspects increase the chance of falling out of schools and future life disappointments.
In a study by Mulvey, Schubert, " Chaissin, (2010), that followed 1,300 juvenile offenders for seven years showed that 85% of the juveniles admitted to using marijuana at some point in their lives while 80% admitted of using alcohol. Twenty-five percent reported using hallucinogens, 21% admitted using sedatives, 23% admitted using cocaine, 13% reported using inhalants, 15% admitted using stimulants, and 7% admitted using opiates. Also, 16% admitted using ecstasy, 4% admitted using amyl nitrate odorizes, and 6% reported using other forms of drugs. The study also revealed that 40% of the juveniles indicated that they used alcohol in the last six months while 50% indicated that they used marijuana in the past six months. Further, 25% admitted to using other illicit drugs in the past six months. These statistics demonstrates that juvenile offenders tend to use drugs, which may have played a role in their delinquency behavior (Mulvey, Schubert, " Chaissin, 2010).
The motivation for Drug Use
Various aspects motivate adolescents to use or abuse drugs. However, the primary motivator for drug use is peer pressure. Many teenagers take drugs as part of ‘initiation.’ In such situations, the adolescent takes some form of drugs such as marijuana and alcohol to be considered an adult by their peers (Brunelle, Cousineau, " Brochu, 2005). Such a situation may be continuous and could generate into a habit. Another reason is that the teenagers may find taking or using drugs being cool and glamorous. Therefore, adolescents may use drugs as a way of appealing to their peers. Additionally, they may take the drugs as a way of fitting into a peer group. Juveniles may also use drugs as a way of defiance. Many teenagers tend to use drugs as a way of testing the demands of their parents or teachers (Brunelle, Cousineau, " Brochu, 2005).
Data on Juvenile Delinquency and Drug Use in the United States
The United States population represents approximately 4% of the global community. Among the developed countries, the country holds 25% of incarcerated people (Dunham " Lobos, 2015). Thus the number of incarcerated people in the United States exceeds the numbers in developed countries in the world (Countries in Europe, North America, East Asia, and Australia). The number of incarcerated people in the United States currently stands at about 2 million people, and many sociologists predict that the number is on the upward trend (Dunham " Lobos, 2015). Globally, the United States has the highest rate of incarceration. In the last 31 years (between 1984 and 2015), the rate of imprisonment has crucially increased astronomically by 400% (Dunham " Lobos, 2015). The incarceration rate depicts that many families in the United States are affected, and their lives changed due to the high level of incarceration. The level of imprisonment is quite alarming, and it is estimated that 41% of teenagers are arrested before they attain the age of 23 (Dunham " Lobos, 2015). The country has also witnessed the death sentences of children as young as 13. Moreover, no country in the world has high rates of juvenile incarceration as the United States (Dunham " Lobos, 2015).
The link between Juvenile Delinquency and Drug Use
The link between Juvenile delinquency and drug use is more characterized by sociopathic character development rather than the causal relationship. Therefore, the association between adolescent drug use and delinquency is more indirect and obscure. The reason is that drug use does not directly lead to crime, but instead plays a role in influencing the behavior of a juvenile negatively. According to various studies, the human brain does not fully mature until an individual reaches the age of 25 (Gatti, Tremblay, Vitaro, " McDuff, 2005). Therefore, drugs may affect the development of brains in teenagers. Given the brains of the teenagers are less developed, the drugs may significantly overwhelm them, and sometimes they may lack self-control. Studies have shown that male teenagers drug users tend to have a higher rate of delinquency than their female counterparts.
There are many studies available on the association between adolescent drug use and delinquency. Many studies concur that there is a strong link between drug use and juvenile delinquency (Gatti, Tremblay, Vitaro, " McDuff, 2005). The main link that many studies have in common is the influence the drugs have on the juveniles’ behavior. The impact on behavior then leads to criminal activities. One aspect is that adolescent drug use promotes violence among teenagers. The reason is that drugs such as alcohol and marijuana affect the psychological soundness of the teenagers and may in most instances promote false courage. Therefore, after taking drugs, a teenager may feel courageous and may get involved in altercations with other people. Such situations may lead to injury to the teenager or injury to the others. The second aspect is that the use of drugs may lead to addiction. Drugs such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, tobacco, and others are addictive (Gatti, Tremblay, Vitaro, " McDuff, 2005). Some are also highly addictive, and when the teenagers use them, they may become dependent on the drugs. Drug addiction is a severe condition that will enslave the teenagers. Many teenagers are still in school, and when they get addicted, they will always need a constant supply of drugs. Given that majority lack resources, they will result in unconventional means to try and get resources to get the drugs. The alternative methods may involve stealing, burglary, handbag snatching, and other forms of crime (Gatti, Tremblay, Vitaro, " McDuff, 2005).
Another element that links juvenile delinquency and drug use is the development of careless behavior. Various studies have shown that teenage drug users tend to behave in a reckless manner (Siegel " Welsh, 2014). They lack alertness and are entirely ignorant of the consequences of their action. In many instances, teenage drug users tend to engage in fun activities that usually end up in tragedy. Some teenagers may go partying on the highway ignoring the risk posed by high speeding vehicles. Additionally, teenagers may engage themselves in activities of criminal nature such as arson, kidnapping, and other activities that they may deem fun, but are criminal.
Risk Factors
Various factors predispose teenagers to drugs use and delinquency. The risk factors differ considerably among teenagers. Some teenagers have a high degree of indulging in drugs than others. Generally, the risk factors are largely influenced by the environment. A single parent is raising one of the risk factors. Several studies have shown that teenagers that are raised in a single parent home have a higher risk of engaging drugs. The main issue in a single parent home is the lack or minimal affection and attention. According to Henggeler et al. (2006), love and care are significant elements when raising a child. The warmth and attention ensure that a substantial bond develops between a parent and a child. Lack of relationship leads to lack of understanding, and that may drive a child to engage drugs. The most affected single home is where a mother raises a male child. Male children raised in a single maternal home have a higher risk of indulging in drugs (Henggeler et al., 2006). The reason is that a teen male tend to be more defiance and without proper guidance, they may indulge in drugs. However, when a mother has an appropriate bond with the male child, it helps in lowering the risk. In a single home where a male parent raises a female child, the risk is there but is minimal. The factors that may lead to drug abuse in such a home include depression and personality disorder (Henggeler et al., 2006).
Another risk factor is the availability of drugs at home. Teenagers that live in a house where the parents are drug users increase their risk of using drugs. The reason is that teenagers will believe that using drugs is excellent and will try to imitate the parents. Moreover, the curiosity will lead them to take drugs since they will want to know how it feels to take a specific type of drugs. Also, the availability of drugs at home easily provides teenagers with drug accessibility (Dunham " Lobos, 2015). The convenience of drugs increases their curiosity and will at some point want to try the drugs. Increase use of technology also increases the risk of drug use. Today, the use of technology has improved considerably, and without proper monitoring, teenagers may engage drug users.
Many people use drugs and target young people to either supply or use. Thus a teenager using technology may encounter these kinds of people, and without proper monitoring, they may fall prey to the wrong people. Another risk factor is the immediate environment that the teenager lives. The family members can be non-users of drugs, but the immediate environment if full of people using drugs (Dunham " Lobos, 2015). Teenagers that grew up in a neighborhood full of drug users had a higher risk of becoming drug users. The reason is that they integrate with the neighbors and in the process, they may introduce the drugs to them. Likewise, the teenagers may be tempted to use drugs to fit into the neighborhood.
Policy Considerations
Before the 20th century, the United States had no policies on juvenile delinquency. However, during the 20th century, the government saw it fit to develop strategies that address issues on juvenile delinquencies (Siegel " Welsh, 2014). That led to the formulation of the juvenile policy and development of the juvenile justice system. Today, juvenile courts have become an essential part of the justice system. The juvenile policy applies to all individuals that satisfy the juvenile definition in a given State. In many States, juveniles are minors or individuals yet to attain the age of 18. However, despite the critical role the juvenile policy and justice system has played in dealing with juvenile delinquencies, it is essential that policies are formulated to address the issues that contribute to juvenile delinquencies.
The major problem is the drug menace which has shown a strong relationship with juvenile delinquencies. Therefore, there should be policies that promote the treatment of drug abuse and addiction. Since drug abuse has shown links to juvenile delinquencies, tackling the drug menace and addition among the teenagers will have a significant role in curbing the increasing trend of juvenile delinquencies. Additionally, there should be policies that help teenagers in dealing with traumatic stress and other psychological issues. Mental and psychological problems play a role in drug abuse and are also effects of drug use. Thus the policy that addresses the drug addiction and treatment of psychiatric problems will go along way in solving the juvenile delinquencies and drug use.
Conclusion
Many studies have established that there exists a link or connection between drug abuse and juvenile delinquency. The drugs interfere with the psychological normalcy of the teenager and negatively shape his or her behavior. The drugs give teenagers false courage, promote violence, promote carelessness, and addiction. These factors indirectly lead to delinquency. The risk factors facing the teenagers include the drug use in the family, single family, technology use, and the condition of the neighborhood’s environment. The motivation for drug use is primarily due to peer pressure where teenagers want to fit into a group and look cool. Thus the policy needs to be formulated that addresses drug addiction among teenagers and the treatment of psychological problems or issues such as traumatic stress and depression.
References
Brunelle, N., Cousineau, M. M., " Brochu, S. (2005). Juvenile drug use and delinquency: Youths' accounts of their trajectories. Substance use " misuse, 40(5), 721-734.
Dunham, R. G., " Lobos, A. M. (2015). Delinquency and drug use in the US. In New Approaches to Drug Policies (pp. 102-120). Palgrave Macmillan, London.
Gatti, U., Tremblay, R. E., Vitaro, F., " McDuff, P. (2005). Youth gangs, delinquency and drug use: A test of the selection, facilitation, and enhancement hypotheses. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 46(11), 1178-1190.
Hawkins, J. D., Oesterle, S., Brown, E. C., Arthur, M. W., Abbott, R. D., Fagan, A. A., " Catalano, R. F. (2009). Results of a type 2 translational research trial to prevent adolescent drug use and delinquency: A test of Communities That Care. Archives of pediatrics " adolescent medicine, 163(9), 789-798.
Henggeler, S. W., Halliday-Boykins, C. A., Cunningham, P. B., Randall, J., Shapiro, S. B., " Chapman, J. E. (2006). Juvenile drug court: Enhancing outcomes by integrating evidence-based treatments. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 74(1), 42.
Mulvey, E. P., Schubert, C. A., " Chaissin, L. (2010). Substance use and delinquent behavior among serious adolescent offenders. Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Siegel, L. J., " Welsh, B. C. (2014). Juvenile delinquency: Theory, practice, and law. Cengage Learning.
