Format
Book
Publication Date
Published by / Citation
Alcohol in the system
Original Language

English

Country
United Kingdom
Keywords
crime
youth
young offenders
alcohol
substance abuse
Prevention

Adolescents, Crime and Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol in the system was a year-long project that investigated the link between drinking and youth offending.

Listed below are the project's key findings:

  • Drink culture is rife in the UK. Access to alcohol information and support for young people, however, is less so.
  • Young people who drink are especially vulnerable to the effects of alcohol and to finding themselves in confrontational situations.
  • There is a well-established link between binge-drinking and violence amongst young people.
  • Up to 41% of youth offenders had consumed alcohol at the time of committing their offence(s).
  • A high proportion of those surveyed reported that ‘drinking less’ would stop them from re-offending.
  • Having a criminal record has long-term consequences which, in turn, negatively impacts on future prospects.
  • Current screening and assessments for alcohol consumption amongst young people are inconsistent.
  • It is necessary that youth offenders who commit crimes while under the influence recognise that substance abuse is a public health issue.
  • Actively involving young people in the design and delivery of substance use prevention initiatives is an effective way of tackling the problem.

Click here to access the full Alcohol in the System Report.