Recent drug use and suicidal behaviour among young offenders

Patterns of psychoactive substance use were examined among 216 young offenders in South Australian secure care facilities. Compared to four student samples (n = 1525), young offenders reported recent use of most substances considerably more often than did student peers. Almost one-half used a substance at the time of committing their last offence. A subgroup of offenders (n = 126) was questioned about suicide attempts, mood, recent suicidal ideation and deliberate self-injury. Past suicide attempts and deliberate self-injury were found to be associated with increased substance use. Drawing on evidence from other studies it is argued that impulsiveness often underlies these behaviours and contributes to their covariation. Substance use can further increase impulsiveness and thereby exacerbate offending and suicide risk. Not only should substance use be considered in all assessments of antisocial and self-destructive behaviour but innovative approaches to developing effective interventions for the reduction of substance misuse need to be encouraged.