Tina Tyler
Grand Canyon University
July 16, 2014
Introduction
Juvenile delinquency and drug abuse both share identical patterns of behavioral problems. Youth and adolescents who misuse drugs are subject to delinquent and drug abuse behaviors. However an effective substance abuse treatment programs for juvenile delinquents should be implemented so that successful rehabilitation is accomplished.
There are many similarities among criminal behaviors among youths and drug abuse. Drug abuse cases are a huge problem among youth offenders than non-offending youths. Drug abuse is a major contributing factor among youths. The Texas Juvenile Justice system reported that 25% of their youth are substance abusers (Carter, 2012).
There are many causes to explain the relationship between juvenile delinquency and drug abuse. The reasons are that youth who drink displays behaviors that results in being violence, driving under the influence, and making impulsive decisions. Another reason is that youth who are exposed to drugs are often befriended by negative peer pressure. However those who are blinded by the substance abuse and negative peer influence often end up committing criminal acts, to include stealing, breaking and entering, or robbing individuals to support their substance abuse habits(Mulvey, Schubert & Chassin, 2010).
When indulging in drugs a person’s mental capacity is altered and is unable to think about making better decisions. The juvenile system, drug court and family court are effective systems for reinforcing positive behaviors. These systems translate what is expected from youths to live a successful and productive life after being rehabilitated from treatment. There are several clinical and programmatic problems that a counselor may be encountered with when implementing a treatment plan for juveniles who are substance users. The first issues that comes to mind is obtaining a consent