Themes in sentencing young adults charged with serious violent crime involving alcohol and other drugs

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-432
Author(s):  
Siobhan M Lawler ◽  
Emma L Barrett ◽  
Lexine A Stapinski ◽  
David A Bright ◽  
Maree Teesson
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Young People ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Violent Crime ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Drug Problems ◽  
Alcohol And Other Drugs

The majority of young people in custody have alcohol and other drug problems and over 90% report past-year experiences of high-risk drinking and illicit drug use. Despite a strong link between drug use and violent offending, there is a dearth of information about how this relationship plays out in sentencing young adult offenders. This study examines themes in the sentencing of drug-using young adults facing court for serious violent crime and describes how judges discuss rehabilitation as a consideration for this high-risk group. This research contributes to the literature by bridging law and social science through a cross sectional analysis of n = 507 sentencing remarks from New South Wales higher courts. Substance use involvement was indicated in more than three-quarters (77%) of violent offence cases. Among young adults sentenced for violent crimes involving substance use (n = 51) robbery and homicide were the most common offences, and alcohol and methamphetamine were the most frequently involved substances. Two themes emerged around judges’ reasons for sentencing, one emphasising offender agency and choice and another more compassionate position acknowledging the influence of drug dependence on offending behaviour. Despite this divide, addressing substance use dependence was commonly seen as key for the successful rehabilitation of young people who commit violent crime involving alcohol and other drugs.

scholarly journals Predicting schizophrenia: findings from the Edinburgh High-Risk Study

2005 ◽  
Vol 186 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eve C. Johnstone ◽  
Klaus P. Ebmeier ◽  
Patrick Miller ◽  
David G. C. Owens ◽  
Stephen M. Lawrie
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Young People ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Psychotic Symptoms ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Well Control ◽  
Group A ◽  
A Prospective Study

BackgroundThe hypothesis that schizophrenia is neurodevelopmental was investigated in a prospective study of young people with a postulated 10–15% risk for the development of schizophrenia.AimsTo determine premorbid variables distinguishing high-risk people who will go on to develop schizophrenia from those who will not.MethodA high-risk sample of 163 young adults with two relatives with schizophrenia was recruited. They and 36 controls were serially examined. Baseline measures were compared between those who did develop schizophrenia, a well control group, a well high-risk group and high-risk participants with partial or isolated psychotic symptoms.ResultsOf those at high risk, 20 developed schizophrenia within 2½ years. More experienced isolated or partial psychotic symptoms. Those who developed schizophrenia differed from those who did not on social anxiety, withdrawal and other schizotypal features. The whole high-risk sample differed from the control group on developmental and neuropsychological variables.ConclusionsThe genetic component of schizophrenia affects many more individuals than will develop the illness, and partial impairment can be found in them. Highly significant predictors of the development of schizophrenia are detectable years before onset.

scholarly journals Association of General Cognitive Functions with Gaming Use in Young Adults: A Comparison among Excessive Gamers, Regular Gamers and Non-Gamers

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2293
Author(s):  
Joon Hwan Jang ◽  
Sun Ju Chung ◽  
Aruem Choi ◽  
Ji Yoon Lee ◽  
Bomi Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Internet Gaming Disorder ◽  
Verbal Ability ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Internet Gaming

This study aimed to examine the relationship of general cognitive function with gaming use, and to identify elements of intelligence predicting increased gaming use. In total, 160 young adults participated in this study. Two clinical groups (n = 97) were defined: excessive gaming users diagnosed with internet gaming disorder (IGD) (n = 64) and the high-risk users (n = 33). The control group (n = 63) was also divided into regular gamers (n = 14) and non-gamers (n = 49). Participants completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV and self-reported questionnaires regarding IGD severity and gaming hours. The IGD group had significantly lower Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ), Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI), and Processing Speed Index (PSI) scores, compared with regular gamers and non-gamers. The IGD group also exhibited lower Working Memory Index (WMI) scores, compared with non-gamers. The high-risk group demonstrated significantly lower PSI score, compared with non-gamers. Furthermore FSIQ, VCI, WMI, and PSI scores were significant predictors of gaming hours in the IGD group. For the high-risk group, FSIQ, WMI, and VCI scores were negatively associated with gaming hours. Our study demonstrates the need to address the importance of enhancing working memory and verbal ability, thus, preventing the development of gaming addiction among individuals at high-risk gamers.

scholarly journals Use of illicit drugs by adolescents and young adults of an urban settlement in Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-118
Author(s):  
Rafael Alves Guimarães ◽  
Márcia Maria de Souza ◽  
Karlla Antonieta Amorim Caetano ◽  
Sheila Araujo Teles ◽  
Marcos André de Matos
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Illicit Drugs ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Urban Settlement ◽  
Factors Associated

Summary Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with illicit drug use by adolescents and young adults of a formal urban settlement. Method: Cross-sectional study including adolescents and young adults 12-24 years of an urban settlement in the Midwest Region of Brazil. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Stata, version 12.0. We used Poisson regression model to estimate the factors associated with illicit drug use. Results: Of the total participants (n=105), 27.6% (95CI 20.0-36.9%) had used illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, crack, LSD and inhalants. The consumption of these substances was associated with male gender, use of body piercing and/or tattoos, licit drug use and self-report of signs and/or symptoms of sexually transmitted infections. Conclusion: High prevalence of illicit drug use was found in the individuals investigated, ratifying the presence of risk factors to the vulnerability of the settlers to use these substances in the urban settlement population.

Meaning in Life and Substance Use

2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-19
Author(s):  
Matthew Csabonyi ◽  
Lisa J. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Life Questionnaire ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Search For Meaning ◽  
Lower Alcohol ◽  
Meaning In Life Questionnaire

Viktor Frankl theorized that an absence of meaning in one’s life can result in boredom and apathy—the “existential vacuum”—and attempts to avoid or “escape” the vacuum can include short-acting distracting behaviors. This study investigated whether the presence of meaning (PM) or the search for meaning are associated with alcohol, drug, and cigarette use by young adults, and whether boredom mediates those relationships. Hundred and seventy-six young adults completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, and provided information about cigarette and illicit drug use over the preceding year. The results partly support Frankl’s model: higher PM was associated with lower alcohol/other drug use and boredom mediated those relationships, but PM was not related to cigarette smoking. Contrary to Frankl’s model, no relationship was found between search for meaning and alcohol, drug, or cigarette use. This suggests that psychological interventions that assist individuals who use drugs or alcohol to identify meaning or purpose in their lives might reduce levels of drug and alcohol use. The process of searching for meaning may not have substantial direct impact on levels of substance use, but once some meaning was established there may be decreased impetus to continue using drugs and alcohol.

scholarly journals Sedative Drug Use among King Saud University Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Sampling Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed A. Al-Sayed ◽  
Abdualltef H. Al-Rashoudi ◽  
Abdulrhman A. Al-Eisa ◽  
Abdullah M. Addar ◽  
Abdullah H. Al-Hargan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Pharmaceutical Preparations ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Lower Grade ◽  
Sedative Drug ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
King Saud University

Introduction.Medical students experience significant psychological stress and are therefore at higher risk of using sedatives. There are currently no studies describing the prevalence of sedative drug use among medical students in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with sedative drug use among medical students in Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods.A cross-sectional convenience sampling study gathered data by anonymous questionnaire from students enrolled at the King Saud University College of Medicine in 2011. The questionnaires collected data regarding social and demographic variables, sleep patterns, and the use of stimulant and sedative drugs since enrollment. Sedatives were defined as any pharmaceutical preparations that induce sleep.Results and Discussion.Of the 729 students who returned questionnaires, 17.0% reported sedative drug use at some time since enrollment. Higher academic year, lower grade point average, regular exercise, fewer hours of sleep per day, poorer quality of sleep, and the presence of sleeping disorders were found to be significantly associated with sedative drug use.Conclusions.Further study is required to increase our understanding of sedative drug use patterns in this relatively high-risk group, as such understanding will help in the development of early intervention programs.

scholarly journals Recovery processes among young adults treated for alcohol and other drug problems: A five-year follow-up

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 338-351
Author(s):  
Lisa Skogens ◽  
Ninive von Greiff
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Individual Treatment ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Recovery Processes ◽  
Client Group ◽  
Human And Social Capital ◽  
Drug Problems ◽  
Alcohol And Other Drugs

Aim: Studies on recovery from alcohol and other drugs (AOD) among young adults are scarce. In the present study, young adults, previously interviewed with a focus on their recovery process shortly after they completed treatment, were re-interviewed five years later focusing on their recovery process during the last five years in relation to their former AOD problems, other problems and processes of change. Methods: Twenty-one young adults were interviewed: 16 women and five men aged between 25 and 33 years. After transcribing the interviews, the material was analysed thematically. Results: Three overall themes emerged: previous problems, mental illness and the search for identity. The results were discussed in relation to recovery capital, primarily focusing on human and social capital. The results indicate that the group in focus often needs professional support for mental health issues in order to reach a stable recovery. Conclusions: Since the problems described were heterogeneous, this client group might benefit from individual treatment and extended support after treatment. Further, the results indicate that the established period of five years for a stable recovery might need to be extended for young adults.

Do men who have sex with men who report alcohol and illicit drug use before/during sex (chemsex) present moderate/high risk for substance use disorders?

2020 ◽  
Vol 209 ◽  
pp. 107908 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago S. Torres ◽  
Leonardo S. Bastos ◽  
Luciana Kamel ◽  
Daniel R.B. Bezerra ◽  
Nilo M. Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Substance Use Disorders ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Sex With Men

scholarly journals Knowledge Regarding HIV/AIDS Among the Adult Population in a Rural Community

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-97
Author(s):  
R Ara ◽  
MN Uddin ◽  
MA Wahab ◽  
L Khondker ◽  
MSI Khan
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hiv Aids

Introduction: The consequences of HIV/AIDS are alarming. It causes not only loss of live but also social and economic disruption. Being deadly disease, HIV/AIDS has become an important issue of recent times throughout the world. To date, little is known about awareness of HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrom (AIDS) among the adult population of a rural community. Place and Period of study: the study was done at ‘Tepir Bari, Saitalia, Tengra’ village under ‘Teli Hati’ union of Shreepur Upazilla in Gazipur district during the study period of 27 March 2010 to 31 April 2011. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional type of study was conducted with 360 respondents. Semi structured interview schedule was used for collection of information and sampling technique was ‘selective cluster sampling’. Results: Among the total 360 respondents 92.5% respondents had knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and 7.50% had no knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The respondents who were familiar with the term of HIV/AIDS, 86.79% had gathered information from mass media. Most of respondents 83.78% consider that sexual route is the principal means of spreading HIV/AIDS. According to them the other most common ways of spreading HIV/AIDS were sharing same needle (49.55%), through blood and blood products (43.24%), vertical transmission 19.21%. Among 333 respondents,64.72% considered that the top most high risk group was commercial sex workers. 55% considered individuals sharing same needle, 40.2% thought individuals having illegal relationships, 23.33% considered unsafe blood recipients, 11.11% considered drivers, 10.28% considered frequent traveler and 15.83% respondents had no knowledge about high risk groups. Regarding the knowledge about preventing HIV/AIDS majority of respondents (64.44%) considered that the safe sexual behavior is the main way to prevent HIV/AIDS. 32.22% respondents considered using unshared needle, 28.89% respondents thought health education regarding AIDS, 26.44% individuals thought proper maintenance of religious values, 21.44% considered proper screening where as 16.11% respondents had no knowledge about preventive measures. Conclusion: Among the study subjects majority of the respondents had knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and few had no knowledge and they need information and health education. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i1.18737 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(1) 2013: 90-97

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