cThe article is devoted to the study of the current situation in the drug use by juvenile onvicts serving sentences in educational colonies. The data of official statistics illustrating the growing dynamics of the number of persons convicted of crimes related to drug trafficking are presented. The leading role of socio-psychological factors in the development of drug-addicted behavior of juvenile criminals is noted. The aim of the study is to identify the most significant socio-psychological factors contributing to the determination of drugaddicted behavior, to determine possible areas of work for personnel of educational colonies to prevent the drug-addicted behavior. The methodological basis of the research was formed by the questionnaire, statistical method, analysis, synthesis, induction, system-structural and formallogical methods. As a result of the work carried out, it was established that the level of drug use among convicted juveniles is significantly higher than both officially recognized and declared by the adolescents themselves. The most significant sociopsychological factor leading to such behavior is the family, mistakes in family upbringing, family problems or lack of education. Attention is drawn to the fact that one of the areas of educational colonies work in the prevention of drug addicted behavior can and should be the work not only with the inmates, but also with their parents. It is proposed to strengthen the responsibility of parents for drug addicted behavior of children. Implementation of the conclusions and proposals made will help stabilize the situation and reduce juvenile delinquency related to drug trafficking.