Justice System Involvement As a Risk Factor for Substance Use Into Mid-Thirties

Background: This study examined the impact of criminal conviction and incarceration in emerging adulthood on subsequent substance use – alcohol, marijuana, hard drugs – through age 36. Method: Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY97) were analyzed. Group-based trajectory modeling and multinomial logistic regression were performed. Results: Both conviction and incarceration increased the likelihood of being in a binge drinking, marijuana use or hard drug-use class, rather than being in the non- or low-use reference class. The pattern of justice system involvement (JSI) increasing the odds of being in a problem substance use class was seen more consistently for conviction than incarceration. Juvenile substance use – marijuana particularly – predicted adult substance use. Conclusion: Taking steps to ameliorate the impact of justice system involvement on individuals’ subsequent life and health trajectories should be an area of concern for researchers and practitioners.