Understanding substance abuse is crucial. According to the National Cancer Institute (n.d.), “Substance abuse is defined as the use of illegal drugs, the use of prescription, over-the-counter drugs, or alcohol for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used or in excessive amounts. Substance abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems” (National Cancer Institute, para.1, n.d.).
First, it’s a matter of concern that alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are frequently used by juveniles (MedlinePlus, n.d.). This prevalence should motivate us to understand and address the underlying reasons. The reasons for juveniles using drugs are that juveniles may turn to drugs for a variety of reasons, including peer pressure, experimentation, family influences, academic and sports goals, to feel good, and to feel better. Understanding these diverse reasons can help us approach the issue with empathy and understanding. Youth who are at high risk for using drugs may experience problems such as a family history of substance use, childhood sexual abuse, mental health issues, parental substance use, family rejection of sexual orientation or gender identity, poor parental monitoring, and favorable parental attitudes towards the behavior (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, n.d.).
It is essential to recognize the signs of drug use among juveniles. Several signs may indicate drug use among youth, including changes in friends, self-isolation, losing interest in favorite activities, neglecting responsibilities, lying, stealing, family issues, academic problems such as failing grades, mood changes, poor concentration, slurred speech, lack of coordination, and memory loss. Identifying these signs is crucial for early intervention and support (MedlinePlus, n.d.).
Due to drug use among juveniles, there are crimes related to drug use among juveniles, such as theft, burglary, and robberies. Juveniles who are substance users will engage in criminal activities to support their drug addiction. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (n.d.), “Gangs, drug trafficking, prostitution, and growing numbers of youth homicides are among the social and criminal justice problems often linked to adolescent substance abuse” (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, para. 12, n.d.). There were 80 percent of youth in state juvenile justice systems who were under the influences of drugs or alcohol when committing a crime, were arrested by law enforcement for a drug or alcohol related offense, did not test negative for drugs, and admitted to juvenile justice personal to having a drug addiction or substance abuse problem or had other issues comparable to these. There are 1.9 to 2.4 million youth in the United States in the Juvenile Justice System who have substance abuse or addiction issues. Out of 1.9 to 2.4 million youth experiencing substance abuse or addiction issues, there are only 68,000 that receive treatment. (Child Crime Prevention & Safety Center, n.d., para. 1).
Lastly, the Juvenile Justice system helps juveniles through therapy, family counseling, mentoring programs, education programs, and prevention programs, assessing them through drug courts, rehabilitation programs, and other services and programs tailored to each juvenile’s needs.
