Drug Addiction and Juvenile Justice

Abstract

Drug abuse in juveniles is a complex juridical matter. There is neither specific legislation enacted nor special therapeutic programs for deviant populations of this age. Statistics are limited to drug addicts who have been involved with state agencies, such as administrative, judicial or police departments. In recent years some reforms have been enacted, especially for procedural aspects of the trial. Legislation now in force offers opportunities for alternative dispositions for juvenile drug addicts, including educational programs under the supervision of social service agencies. This situation can be improved further by better coordination between drug abuse legislation and juridical norms concerning the procedural phase of the trial. The problem of juveniles and drug abuse, especially when organized crime is involved, has distinctive characteristics which require different control strategies. Peer group influences seem to be the primary psychological dynamic motivating adolescent drug abuse.