Gang youth, substance use, and drug normalization

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Gang membership is strongly linked to chronic substance use.
• Youth in gangs exhibit higher prevalence of alcohol and illicit drug use than non-gang peers.
• Existing research highlights significant lifetime substance use rates among gang members.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore differential attitudes towards various illicit substances within gang populations.
• To understand the nuances in substance use patterns and preferences among gang youth.
• To identify factors influencing the acceptance or stigma of specific drugs in gang culture.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative studies focusing on gang members' substance use experiences.
• Analysis of existing evidence from North America and Europe on gang youth substance use.
• Examination of differential attitudes towards specific drugs like marijuana, heroin, and crack cocaine.

Main Results:

• Marijuana is a prevalent substance within gang culture.
• Heroin, methamphetamine, and crack cocaine use are often stigmatized among gang members.
• Gang youth display distinct preferences and attitudes towards different illicit drugs.

Conclusions:

• Gang culture influences substance use patterns and attitudes.
• Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective substance use interventions for gang-involved youth.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complexities of drug use within this population.