Drug Use Among Diversion Populations

Drug Use Amongdiversion Populationsarticles By Roberts1999 Halkitis

Drug Use among Diversion Populations articles by Roberts (1999), Halkitis, Fischgrund, and Parsons (2005), and Marsiglia et al. (2004). Each of these articles describes a unique population of substance users. For each, briefly discuss the unique aspects of substance use, implications for treatment, and potential facilitators and barriers to treatment for these populations within the criminal justice system. Be sure to address cultural and demographic factors unique to these populations.

Paper For Above instruction

The articles by Roberts (1999), Halkitis, Fischgrund, and Parsons (2005), and Marsiglia et al. (2004) provide essential insights into the diverse populations of substance users involved in diversion programs within the criminal justice system. Understanding the unique characteristics, cultural factors, and specific needs of these populations is critical for designing effective treatment interventions. This paper will review each population, highlighting the particular aspects of their substance use, treatment implications, and the facilitators and barriers they face in accessing effective care.

Roberts (1999) and Substance Use in Juvenile Offenders

Roberts’ (1999) study focuses on juvenile offenders involved in diversion programs, emphasizing that adolescent substance use often coincides with various risk factors such as peer influence, family dynamics, and socio-economic challenges. Juvenile offenders tend to engage in polysubstance use, which complicates treatment efforts. Their developmental stage is critical to consider: adolescents are more impressionable and prone to experimentation, influencing both the pattern of substance use and their response to treatment.

From a treatment perspective, interventions for juvenile offenders need to be developmentally appropriate, incorporating behavioral therapy and family involvement (Henggeler, 2011). Cultural factors are essential here; minority youth, particularly African American and Hispanic adolescents, may experience additional barriers such as mistrust of the justice system, stigma, and lack of culturally competent services (López & McLellan, 2017). Facilitators of treatment include community engagement and culturally tailored programs, whereas barriers include systemic disparities and limited access to adolescent-friendly treatment services.

Halkitis, Fischgrund, and Parsons (2005): Substance Use Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men

Halkitis, Fischgrund, and Parsons (2005) explore substance use among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), highlighting that substance use in this population frequently serves as a coping mechanism for stigma, discrimination, and mental health issues. The unique aspect of this population is the prevalence of substances such as methamphetamine and club drugs, which are often linked to sexual activity and risk behaviors (Shoptaw et al., 2005).

Treatment implications include addressing underlying psychosocial stressors, mental health comorbidities, and stigma-related barriers. Culturally competent interventions that affirm sexual identity and reduce stigma are crucial (Mustanski et al., 2007). Barriers include social stigma, mistrust of healthcare providers, and fear of discrimination, which may discourage engagement with treatment programs. Facilitators can include peer support groups and specialized services designed for LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering a trusting environment conducive to recovery.

Marsiglia et al. (2004): Substance Use in Mexican-American Youth

Marsiglia et al. (2004) examine substance use among Mexican-American youth in diversion programs, emphasizing that cultural values such as familism, community connectedness, and respect for authority significantly influence substance use behaviors and treatment receptivity. Among this population, acculturation stress—struggling to balance traditional cultural values with mainstream American culture—can contribute to substance use initiation and escalation.

Implications for treatment include incorporating culturally relevant interventions that respect family and community ties, with a focus on building cultural competence among providers (Cabassa & Baumann, 2013). Facilitators of treatment include strong family support and community involvement, which can enhance engagement. Barriers include language differences, stigma within the community, and mistrust of formal institutions. Culturally sensitive approaches that involve family and community are more likely to succeed in engaging Mexican-American youth.

Conclusion

Each population studied by Roberts, Halkitis et al., and Marsiglia et al. presents distinct challenges and opportunities within the criminal justice system. Juvenile offenders require developmentally tailored, culturally sensitive interventions; MSM face barriers linked to stigma and discrimination but benefit from affirming services; and Mexican-American youth respond best to culturally grounded, family-involving approaches. Recognizing the unique factors affecting these groups enhances the effectiveness of diversion programs and supports their recovery and reintegration into society.

References

Cabassa, L. J., & Baumann, A. A. (2013). Culturally tailored and evidence-based treatments for Latinos with depression: The state of the science. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 19(4), 385–395.

Henggeler, S. W. (2011). Evidence-based interventions for juvenile offenders and juvenile offenders with substance use disorders. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 40(2), 138–146.

López, E. D., & McLellan, A. T. (2017). Addressing disparities and enhancing culturally competent treatment in adolescent substance use. Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse, 16(2), 123–137.

Marsiglia, F. F., Kulis, S., Biswas, D., Nieri, T., & Graham, B. (2004). Hispanic adolescents' substance use and acculturation: What are the protective factors? Addictive Behaviors, 29(1), 119–132.

Mustanski, B., Newcomb, M., & Garofalo, R. (2007). Psychological distress and substance use in lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 41(4), 353–359.

Roberts, S. (1999). Substance use among juvenile offenders in diversion programs. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 16(1), 45–53.

Shoptaw, S., Reback, C. J., & Heinzerling, K. (2005). Methamphetamine use and HIV risk behaviors among men who have sex with men. Current Psychiatry Reports, 7(4), 360–368.