criminal justice due tommorrow

Substance Abuse among the Youth

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Substance Abuse among the Youth

Substance abuse among the teenagers still remains high in the community, particularly as a result of the increasing popularity of marijuana together with other related drugs. Currently, the young people are showing less disapproval of the marijuana use as well as reduced perception that marijuana together with the other drugs is dangerous. When adolescents enter high school, they face more educational, emotional and social challenges. Further, they might also be exposed to the increased availability of drugs, the drug abusers as well as social activities that involve drugs. Following these challenges can increase the risk that they will abuse marijuana, alcohol, tobacco as well as other substances. The young people who abuse substances persistently will in most cases experience a wide variety of problems. These problems include difficulties in education; health related problems, very poor peer relationships as well as involvement with the juvenile system. The consequences in most cases also extend to the family members, community and even the entire society. According to studies, approximately one-half of the State and Federal prisoners tend to abuse drugs or get addicted to drugs, particularly the young individuals. This means that despite it being a social problem, it also has an impact to the criminal justice system and thus an intervention is required.

Outline

1. Substance Abuse among the Youth

2. Abstract

3. Brief description of Substance Abuse among the Youth

· The most affected group

4. Types of substances that are abused

· Marijuana

· Alcohol

· Heroine

· Tobacco

· Cocaine

5. Effects of substance abuse

· To the drug abusers

· Community

· Family

· Society

6. Consequences of substance abuse by youth

· Academics

· Physical health

· Mental health

· Families

· Peers

· Social and economic consequences

· Delinquency

7. The role of criminal justice system in addressing substance use and addiction

8. Intervention towards substance abuse

9. Conclusion

10. References

Annotated Bibliography

Monti, P. (2012). Adolescents, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse: Reaching Teens through Brief Interventions. New York: Guilford Publications.

According to this book, alcohol and substance abuse is a major problem of the adolescents. The book further highlights a wide range of supported approaches towards prevention as well as treatment of adolescent’s on the substance use problems. There are certain motivational interventions which could be delivered which could address the main developmental considerations and also which draw a cutting edge knowledge regarding the addictive behavior change. These interventions can be in the form of the expert contributors, integrative behavioral as well as family therapy, coverage which encompasses alcohol skills training, motivational interviewing, prevention and treatments as well as the applications to HIV prevention.

Springer, D. W., & Rubin, A. (2009). Substance abuse treatment for youth and adults. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.

According to this book, substance abuse has been a big problem to the youths as well as adults. Despite the treatment and preventive measures that have been used to address the issue, there are still challenges which need to be addressed. One of the biggest challenges towards the adoption of the evidence-based practice particularly in the world of clinical practice has been the non-existence of the clinician-friendly guides. The guides need to be made understandable and full of real –life examples. The best intervention measures include the following: family behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, problem solving and the social skills training and cognitive behavioral coping skills.

Garner, L. (2007). Evaluation of a Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition: A Case Study of a Community-initiated Model. ProQuest.

This book presents findings resulting from studies the youth substance abuse prevention coalition. There are primary coalition strengths which were significant to enhance preventions. These strengths included a shared vision, successful efforts in order to secure funding, lack of crucial conflict within any coalition and also getting a core group which has committed members. This means that for prevention for youth substance use will require commitment and dedication. Some of the identified challenges towards the prevention would be limited opportunities of training, inconsistency in leadership, lack of commitment and limited efforts for evaluation.

Roberts, A. R., & Springer, D. W. (2007). Social work in juvenile and criminal justice settings. Springfield, Ill: Charles C Thomas.

According to this book, based on evidence derived from investigations on risk and protective factors which are associated with substance use, the delinquent youths happen to be at higher risks for substance use as compared to the other youth. This is because of the increased risk factors available for them as compared to the youth that is not involved in juvenile justice system. There are increased responsibilities and practices required from the justice social workers to address the issue. There needs to be more of professional social workers, forensic mental health, counselors, juvenile justice, and victim assistance, addiction treatment and the police social work settings.

Church, W. T. (2014). Juvenile justice sourcebook.

This book basically discusses the substance abuse in connection with the mental health issues. The youths at the juvenile justice system are usually identified to have both substance abuse, as well as mental health problems at higher rates as compared to those at the general population. According to this book, substance abuse usually increases the young people’s vulnerability towards entrance as well as prolonged involvement with juvenile justice system. The main challenge is on the co-occurring needs which are associated with addressing substance abuse, delinquency and mental health needs as they are often difficult to treat, and thus the needs usually remain unmet.

References

Church, W. T. (2014). Juvenile justice sourcebook.

Garner, L. (2007). Evaluation of a Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition: A Case Study of a Community-initiated Model. ProQuest.

Monti, P. (2012). Adolescents, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse: Reaching Teens through Brief Interventions. New York: Guilford Publications.

Roberts, A. R., & Springer, D. W. (2007). Social work in juvenile and criminal justice settings. Springfield, Ill: Charles C Thomas.

Springer, D. W., & Rubin, A. (2009). Substance abuse treatment for youth and adults. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.