Examining Adulthood Trends in Substance Use After Youth Criminal Legal System Involvement

Adolescent involvement in the criminal legal system (CLS) may function as a significant stressor with long-term behavioral health consequences. This study examined whether CLS involvement before age 18 influences the odds and trajectories of substance use (alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, and illicit drug use) from ages 18-28, and whether these effects vary by severity of involvement.

Data were drawn from the 1997-2011 surveys of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (N = 8,961; approximately 50% male), a nationally representative cohort. Random intercept and growth curve models were estimated to examine the effects of CLS involvement before 18 on the odds of substance use from 18-28 (alcohol, cigarette, marijuana, and illicit drug use).

Being arrested, incarcerated in a juvenile facility, or incarcerated in an adult facility before 18 was associated with an increased odds illicit drug use (OR = 2.080, p < 0.001; OR = 2.132, p < 0.001; OR = 2.598, p < 0.001) from 18-28 (respectively). The growth curve models suggested that CLS involvement before 18 could result in more persistent substance use.

These findings suggest that youth CLS involvement could influence substance use and more persistent patterns of substance use in adulthood. The combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and substance use treatment should be considered for reentering youth.