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Youth, Drugs & Correctional Services

Drug and Alcohol use is still a problem among children and they are increasingly available everyday. Drug use can lead to many illegal and dangerous activities including: breaking and entering, robbery, shoplifting, stealing and vandalizing property and prostitution; car theft, driving under the influence, traffic accidents and assault with a deadly weapon. Moreover, drugs are dangerous and life threatening. Drugs can cause diseases and they can slow mental motor skills. Children can even die from overdoses on drugs and alcohol. As a matter of fact, “Drug users between the ages of 12 and 17 are more than 5 times as likely to shoplift, steal or vandalize property as non-users in that age range, 9 times as likely to steal cars or commit armed robbery, and 19 times as likely to break and enter to burglarize”(Thomson, Wadsworth, 2005 p. 143). However, there are studies and programs designed to help deter drug use amongst children, by focusing on preventive methods and rehabilitation.
Drug use can affect even young children. As a matter of fact, even children eight years old have been found to use drugs like marijuana. However, there are signs that you can look for that may help you decide if a certain child may be using alcohol or illicit drugs. Changes in attitude, such as antisocial behavior, skipping school, deteriorating academic performance; change in clothing and friends can be indicators of drug use. These changes are especially noticeable if they occur almost over night. Antisocial behavior is a strong indicator or at risk behavior for future drug use. Drug users express antisocial behavior and find other children who have the same issues. This is why drug users hang around other drug users. Children who are having trouble getting along with other kids or fitting in school are also at risk for drug use. Using drugs and fitting into this new crowd may make them feel as though they belong. However, this sense of belonging is false and can have many...