Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of some of the major issues surrounding substance use among youth in Canada and the link to involvement in criminal behaviour. To provide background for these issues, the first half of the chapter presents information on the nature and extent of adolescent substance use, the reasons young people use drugs and alcohol, and the potential harms of substance use for adolescents. The chapter then discusses how adolescent substance use relates to crime in this age group. The sections focus specifically on the evidence suggesting a link between substance use and crime and the nature and extent of adolescent participation in drug-specific crimes. Finally, the current chapter discusses the most promising practices for substance use prevention and treatment for adolescents and youth offenders.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Youth at Risk and Youth Justice: A Canadian Overview |
| Editors | R.C. Smandych, J. Winterdyk |
| Place of Publication | Oxford, UK |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780199018215 |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |
| Externally published | Yes |
