Unpacking Unexplored Psychological Factors in Alcohol and Substance Use in Gang Members

Abstract

The extant literature has identified that gang involvement is associated with increased substance use frequency and severity. Unfortunately, most gang intervention programs concentrate on minimizing and reducing delinquent behavior and ties to gangs; while neglecting to address substance use among gang members. The current study examines psychopathic traits role in alcohol consumption and substance use among gang members and individuals with a history of gang involvement using the Pathways sample. The study implemented a count mixed effect models to investigate the impact of psychopathic traits on alcohol and substance use in individuals with a history of gang involvement and gang members longitudinally in waves 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, while controlling for other variables associated with alcohol consumption and substance use frequency. The current study found the impulsivity/irresponsible dimension of psychopathy is associated with consumption of alcohol and substance use longitudinally.