Citation

Johnson BR, Lee MT, Pagano ME, Post SG. Int. J. Criminol. Sociol. 2016; 5: 172-181.

Affiliation

Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Lifescience Global)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

28090237

Abstract

Adolescent addiction has emerged as a major public health problem. The greatest increase in alcohol and other drug use disorders can be found among youth. Concurrently, technological advances in policing coupled with aggressive prosecuting and sentencing practices have contributed to the growth of America's correctional system. The assertive response of policing, courts, and corrections, however, have not prevented the dramatic rise of adolescent addiction. Unfortunately, there is no national data tracking addicted youth in the criminal justice system to evaluate what works when it comes to youth with addiction. This article reviews justice system responses to adolescent offenders with addiction, and promising approaches engaging juveniles in programmatic components of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). This study highlights the role of spirituality, service to others, and social support in maintaining sobriety, reducing arrests, and lowering recidivism for adolescents court-referred to treatment. Recommendations for improving the response to adolescent offenders with addiction are offered.

Language: en

Keywords

Alcohol and drug use; adolescents; recidivism; service; social support; spirituality