Young people who enter the juvenile justice system often carry more than a legal charge — many are navigating substance use, unstable environments, and limited access to consistent support.
A newly published article from the Institute of Behavioral Research at TCU, appearing in the Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Use, explores patterns of substance use among justice-involved youth and the broader contexts that shape those behaviors.
Rather than viewing substance use in isolation, the research considers the overlapping influences that can increase risk — including exposure to drugs, stress, and system involvement itself. The findings point to the importance of interventions that move beyond one-size-fits-all responses and instead account for the complex realities young people face.
By bringing these patterns into clearer focus, the study contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention and treatment approaches within juvenile justice settings and to better support youth at a critical point in their development.
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