ABSTRACT
The first part of this chapter considers substance use by young people who self-reported in Studies A and C. Three separate profiles of substance user emerged: young people who used drugs socially; those who used because they enjoyed the experience; and those who reported using as a form of “self-medication” for psychological trauma or mental illness. The frequency and time of day that members of each category of substance user reported also varied; with those who used to alleviate anxiety or depression reporting the most consistent and focused drug taking.
The second part of this chapter will explore the relationship between drug use and violent offending, considering models, including Goldstein's (1985) to explore: the psychopharmacological effects of substance use; the need to fund an illegal drug habit; and, finally, the occurrence of violent behaviors that are linked to the drug market. The chapter will consider implications for practice and how to target interventions depending on the reasons for substance use.
