Background Drugs and alcohol can cause significant harm to individuals, families and communities. Young offenders represent an important population group, which often sport many characteristics that make them highly vulnerable to experiencing harm from drug use. For decades, research has shown the complexity of health behaviours and the need to consider consumer perspectives to respond and support different populations effectively. Methods This study utilised qualitative inquiry to explore young offenders’ (aged 13 to 18 years) experiences with drug use. The study sought to discern the pathways to drug dependencies for young people and to understand how community organisations can better support young people involved with the justice system. Results Three themes were identified in the data. First, the clear lack of knowledge about how to reduce harm from drug use among young offenders. Second, the structural and environmental influences on drug use and the need to develop personal skills and knowledge, alongside advocating for supportive environments for good health. Third, the power and hope that a youth advocate with lived experience can bring to the harm prevention and health promotion field. Conclusions Community services have an integral role in ensuring drug and alcohol education is accessible for different youth populations. Importantly, health promotion organisations should raise awareness about the environmental influences on drug use behaviours, and work deliberately to include consumer perspectives in the design and planning of prevention and harm reduction strategies.
Background Alcohol and other drug use is heavily implicated in youth offending, with a significant proportion of young people who offend meeting the criteria for dependence and problematic substance use. Understanding the drivers of drug use behaviours among this sample has important implications for recognising the needs of young people and preventing recidivism. Methods Qualitative inquiry through semi-structured focus group discussions (n = 9, 30 participants) was employed to privilege the young people’s perspectives. Discussions were audio recorded and a constant comparative approach to data analysis was used to identify similarities and differences in participants accounts. Results Findings were consistent with Agnew’s [1992] General Strain Theory (GST), as many participants had experienced significant disadvantage which influenced their use of illicit substances. Participants’ experience of AOD use as a means of mitigating negative emotion was cascaded across the loss of something of value, unjust treatment, and the inability to achieve ‘success’ in life. Conclusions Our understanding of the way in which strain can drive drug use behaviours provides insight into strategies to support young people in contact with the justice system. We must work hard to see a more connected system, to advocate for more helpful discourses around youth offending, and to see the equitable distribution of health education and early intervention for all young people.
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