Breaking the Juvenile Drug-Crime Cycle - Essay Example

According to a report from the National Institute of Justice, “Research indicates that a relatively small group of serious juvenile offenders who are also serious drug users account for a disproportionate amount of all serious crimes committed by juveniles.” (Vanderwaal, et al. 1) This report shows that serious juvenile drug abusers are at a subsequently higher risk for the eventual commission of serious crimes.

The fourth group of juvenile alcohol and drug users is the hard-core user who is unable to function within society and may present a much higher threat to society and themselves as a direct result. While the fourth group is extreme and may seem to be a more severe type it would likely be the third group that would present the largest threat to society and the user themselves. The third grouping spends time and money that they may need to steal to obtain the drugs and is still able to function to a degree within society. By virtue of the ability to function and extreme desire for the substances of choice, this user would likely represent the greatest threat. Read More