ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING ILLICIT DRUG USE, continued

According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), there is a well-established link between illicit drugs and crime. Although it is a crime to use, possess, manufacture, or distribute illicit drugs, drugs are also related to crime through the effects they have on individual behavior and by generating violence and other illegal activity in connection with drug trafficking (ONDCP 2000). In relation to youth, there appears to be a connection between adolescent substance abuse and delinquency. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), declining grades, absenteeism from school, increased risk for dropping out, and other school-related problems are associated with youth substance abuse (OJJDP 2001). Youth homicides, prostitution, gang activity, and drug trafficking are examples of more serious criminal offenses that are often linked to adolescent substance abuse (OJJDP 2001). While there are clearly a host of factors that relate to the occurrence of these criminal acts, the evidence indicates that drug users are more likely than nonusers to commit crimes (ONDCP 2000).

This chapter will discuss environmental strategies primarily used to prevent youth illicit drug use within communities. The chapter will also provide guidance on the implementation of environmental strategies targeting illicit drug use and include case studies that highlight the success of these strategies.