'I had nothing…and drugs don’t leave': A qualitative study exploring the drug use trajectories of young people who offend

Abstract

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.