Masters Thesis

The Root of a Growing Epidemic: Substance Abuse and Prevention

The epidemic of controlled substance abuse has been around for many decades. With over 70,000 deaths contributing to drug overdose in 2017 in the United States, the solution to controlling a growing epidemic has not been developed. Even with 85 percent of the incarcerated population being involved with controlled substances in one way or another, alternating laws, enforcing in-custody programs, or providing live-in sober housing, it is to no avail. A controlled substance can be defined as an illegal drug that can have a severe effect on a person's health and welfare. This research is aimed at understanding substance abuse among young drug offenders. This research will provide an overview of the dilemmas associated with theories relating to crime and drug relationship, propositions promoting substance abuse and substance abuse programs that fail to aid individuals addicted to controlled substances. The research will use mixed methods to understand the root of the problem when it comes to substance abuse among adolescents. The qualitative design will use an ethnographic approach, during which the researcher will conduct in-depth interviews as well as close observations of adolescents with substance abuse. The quantitative approach will gather information from the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall in order to evaluate the number of juveniles entering with a substance abuse record or charge. Findings from this study will contribute at reducing substance abuse at a young age and understand the core values of eradicating drugs across the nation.

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