Teens Using Drugs More Likely To Engage In Violent, Delinquent Behavior

HARTFORD — Teens who use drugs are more likely to engage in violent and delinquent behavior and to join gangs, according to a new report released by the Office of National Drug Control. Given that the summer months are traditionally risky times when it comes to drug use among teens, The Governor’s Prevention Partnership is urging parents and community groups to keep in mind that structured and supervised activities help keep teens away from drugs and other risky behaviors.

“Youth who engage in one risky behavior are more likely to be drawn into other unhealthy and illegal activities,” said Jill Spineti, acting president of The Governor’s Prevention Partnership. “They also often socialize with peers who are similarly involved in risky behaviors. During the summer, teens may have many more unsupervised hours during the day than in the school year. It’s important for parents to talk with their children now, as summer begins, about their expectations and to monitor what they’re doing and who they’re doing it with.”

The report shows that teens who use drugs are twice as likely to commit violent acts than those who do not. It also shows the more drugs teenagers use, the more likely they are to engage in violent behavior.

Other findings include that teens who are supervised or involved in structured activities during after-school hours are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as drug and alcohol use and other violent or delinquent behaviors, than those youth who are unsupervised.

Although overall teen drug use has declined by 23 percent in five years and youth marijuana use is down by 25 percent over the same time period, more teens use marijuana than any other illicit drug.

Parents and community groups play a crucial role in ensuring that teens are supervised and participating in activities that keep them away from drugs and other risky behaviors, especially during the summer months.

For more information on actions parents can take, visit the “Teens, Drugs, and Violence” section on TheAntiDrug.com: www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_gangs.asp.

Download the full report on “Teens, Drugs, and Violence” at www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_gangs.asp.