Drug Use and Delinquency Response

Drug Use and Delinquency Response

Juvenile Justice

Drugs and delinquency can go hand in hand. Drugs can make an individual very unpredictable. Alcohol and illegal drugs can make people do things that they normally wouldn’t do. (Siegel, L. J. & Welsh, B. C. 2005) For example, if a juvenile gives in to peer pressure to drink at a party, the alcohol could make them do things that are not normal behavior for that particular juvenile. (Siegel, L. J. & Welsh, B. C. 2005) With that said, participation in illegal activity and drug use can make them do things such as theft, become violent, or get behind a wheel of a car.

Drugs tend to lead toward addiction. (Siegel, L. J. & Welsh, B. C. 2005) Therefore the juvenile is at risk of putting themselves on the line of becoming dependent on that drug. Typically if someone is addicted, the only thing they think about is how they are going to get their next fix. Sometimes, the addict is willing to commit crime to get what they need. (Siegel, L. J. & Welsh, B. C. 2005)

Some feel that juveniles use illegal substances to withdraw themselves from society and to be noticed and to make a statement. Others feel that juveniles participate in drug use because they give into peer pressure by peers who are also participating in substance use. (Siegel, L. J. & Welsh, B. C. 2005) Also, feeling the need to rebel against any form of authority figures such as school administration, parents or guardians, and including those who enforce the laws. (Siegel, L. J. & Welsh, B. C. 2005) Other reason why juvenile’s delinquents may turn towards drugs is because of poor parenting or support at home. Having a dysfunctional family life or abuse may lead them down a path where illicit drug use is present. Personally I feel that it is very sad that juveniles feel that drugs are the only answer to their problems. Educating juveniles of drug use I feel is a helpful technique when it comes to drug prevention.

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