Drug Addiction in Juvenile Delinquents - A Case Study

Substance abuse and criminal behavior are intimately linked. The magnitude of drug addiction may be associated with the severity of the criminal behavior and violence. This relationship is more serious and alarming in case of young population. The present study was conceptualized to get a better understanding of the phenomenon of drug addiction and juvenile delinquency in young population through a case study in a NGO De-addiction center dealing with juveniles in Delhi. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the juveniles, volunteers, mental health expertand the branch project in-charge of the center. Detailed field observations were recorded in three field visits with the team of researchers. A theme-based analysis of the data indicated that there is a complex relationship between drug addiction and juvenile delinquency with diverse implications for the psychological, socio-cultural and policy realm. The efficacy of therapeutic interventions at the NGO was also assessed. A representative model was constructed to represent the journey of the juvenile from entry to the exit. It revealed that multiple factors play a role in initiation, perpetuation and escalation of drug use, abuse and criminal behaviour. The paper describes these findings in detail.

Introduction

The researchers of this case study were inspired to carry out this study after watching a YouTube video by the name of ‘kamleshsoluchan’ uploaded for the first time in 2012 shot in Connaught Place, New Delhi.

TIt is a short interview of a scrap picker named Kamlesh aged 13 years who admitted being addicted to multiple drugs starting from nicotine (beedi and cigarettes), alcohol, weed, hash, opium, heroin and inhalants.

He spent most of his earnings on drugs and mere rupees 20 on his diet. He perceived that there was no advantage in trying to give up the drug as he slept well and remained in a blissful state most of the times. He had no major ambitions in life. When the interviewer asked if he wished to go back to his hometown, he simply refused since his mother would not allow him to use inhalants and do drugs.

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Drug Addiction in Juvenile Delinquents - A Case Study