The Vicious Cycle: Problematic Family Relations, Substance Abuse, and Crime in Adolescence: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Despite the copiousness of studies on the risky behaviors of adolescents, we cannot establish with certainty the leading aspects involved in teens’ substance abuse and criminal actions. This review aims to explore the interplay among the family system, substance abuse, and criminal behavior. An analysis of the main results of the 61 articles published between 2010 and 2020 shows that adolescents whose parents are justice-involved and often absent from home are more likely to perceive lower cohesion, support, and poor family communication. These factors can involve them in criminal acts and substance abuse. Moreover, these conducts are often linked to a form of uneasiness and a search of autonomy. Indeed, risky behaviors could have more than one meaning. Our findings also suggest that the most diffused drug-related crimes in adolescence are economic crimes, weapon carrying, robberies, dealing, and drug possession. Considering these results, future clinical implications might be based on multidimensional approaches, focusing more on the family context to promote interventions for at-risk adolescents.

Çocuk ve Ergen Madde Bağımlılığı Tedavi Merkezine Başvuran Olguların Sosyodemografik ve Madde Kullanım Özelliklerinin İncelenmesi

“…Ülkemizde farklı iki ÇEMATEM'de yatan olguların değerlendirildiği çalışmalarda suç öyküsü benzer oranda (%47-50) bildirilmiştir (17,18). Son 10 yılda yapılan 61 çalışmanın değerlendirildiği bir meta-analizde, madde kullanımı ile suç işleme davranışı arasında ilişki olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır (24). Ülkemizde ceza evlerinde yapılan bir çalışmada; yaşam boyu en az bir defa madde kullanımının ilk suç işleme yaşını düşürdüğü gösterilmiştir.…”

Latent classes of substance use across three age groups and associations with criminality and use of healthcare services – a record linkage study

“…Over the past decades, numerous studies have provided evidence for a strong link between substance use and criminality (31)(32)(33). For example, substance use disorders are known to be associated with violent crimes (34,35).…”

Let’s build youth treatment centres rather than detention centres

“…Youth offending, SUD, and mental illness are interconnected and can influence each other. 1 A comprehensive approach that considers the interplay between mental health, SUD, cognitive impairment, and criminal behaviour is necessary. Early intervention, prevention, and culturally appropriate treatment are essential to reduce risks and promote healthy youth development.…”

“…These disorders can impact cognition, mood, and behaviour, leading to impulsivity, aggression, and poor decision-making, contributing to criminal activity. 1 This letter was written in response to the publication of the Brisbane Times dated the twenty-third of February 2023, indicating that the state government intends to combat youth offending by building more detention centres. 2 Most of the youth offenders have high rates of SUDs and non-SUD diagnoses.…”