Adolescent Substance Use and Aggression

Abstract

Substance use disorders (SUDs) in youth are strongly associated with aggression, delinquency, and involvement with the juvenile justice and mental health systems. This article reviews the relationship between aggression and SUDs and discusses evidence-based approaches to assessment and intervention, with a focus on youth in secure settings. While evidence indicates etiological overlap, SUDs also confer risk for aggression and delinquent behavior. SUDs and aggression are each influenced by executive functions that develop as youth transition toward adult roles. Additionally, the effects of substance use on the adolescent brain impair neurocognitive function and increase the risk for aggression and further substance use. In terms of assessment, it is important to identify function and form of aggression in order to understand motives and associations with substance use and to select appropriate interventions. Evidence-based screening and assessment of aggression, substance involvement, and related domains is also critical. In terms of treatment, youth with SUDs tend to be underserved, particularly when they are also involved with the juvenile justice system. Multiple modes of evidence-based treatment for substance use are available. Approaches that address risk factors common to SUDs and aggression across multiple domains (e.g., family therapies) have been found to be most effective but may be difficult to adapt for use in secure settings. Individual therapy approaches also have empirical support and may generally be more practical in secure settings.

‘It was riotous behaviour!’: Mothers’ experiences of adolescents’ conduct while abusing drugs

“…The link between substance abuse and adolescent aggressive behaviours has also been established, and adolescent substance abuse has been identified as a risk factor for delinquency and aggression (Doran et al . ).…”

“…Aggressive behaviours are also commonly mentioned by parents, who experience victimization and intimidation from the adolescent, often as a means to obtain money to support their habits (Abrahams 2009;Jackson et al 2007;Thesnaar 2011). The link between substance abuse and adolescent aggressive behaviours has also been established, and adolescent substance abuse has been identified as a risk factor for delinquency and aggression (Doran et al 2012).…”

A randomized clinical trial of family therapy in juvenile drug court.

“…Considering juvenile justice outcomes generally, some argue that all treatments are equally effective (Lipsey, 2009). Others suggest that type of treatment is important and specifically suggest that family-based treatments produce better results than individual or group interventions (Chassin et al, 2009; Doran, Luczak, Bekman, Koutsenok, & Brown, 2012). Undoubtedly, more research on juvenile drug courts is needed, particularly on the importance of the nature of treatment provided and the involvement of families (Cooper, 2009; Wilson, Mitchell, & MacKenzie, 2006).…”

Burden, Drivers, and Impacts of Poor Mental Health in Young People of West and Central Africa: Implications for Research and Programming

“…For instance, studies in Nigeria (among students) and in Ghana (among homeless youth) found that alcohol and substance use is associated with an increased likelihood of risky sexual behavior, with accompanied increased risk for sexually transmitted infections including HIV (Nwagu, 2016;Oppong et al, 2014). While circumstances on the street may render children and youth vulnerable to various kinds of psychological problems and health risks (Burns, Daileader, & Finger, 2004), street children using drugs and psychoactive substances are more likely to engage in crime and interpersonal violence and are also more likely to suffer traffic accidents (Doran, Luczak, Bekman, Koutsenok, & Brown, 2012).…”