ABSTRACT
Rounding off the Central Eight risk/need factors is substance abuse. Subsumed under substance abuse are alcohol misuse and the use of illegal drugs. The purpose for separating alcohol use from other drug use is twofold. First, the relationship between alcohol abuse and crime is generally weaker than the relationship between illegal drug abuse and crime. Second, the criminal justice system is far less tolerant of drug use than alcohol abuse. For adults, purchasing alcohol is legal, and consuming alcohol is punished in only specified situations (e.g. driving under the influence). The possession and use of illegal drugs, even small amounts, can result in severe criminal justice penalties.
