2018 Reports

Combating the Crisis: Using Justice Reform to Address the Drug Epidemic Among Emerging Adults

Siringil Perker, Selen; Chester, Lael E. H.

Analyzing public health and criminal justice data, this report examines the prevalence of substance use disorders (SUDs) among emerging adults (ages 18-25) and explains how SUDs are an entryway into criminal legal system for this age group. The report demonstrates that the developmentally appropriate and public health approaches are more effective than traditional, punitive adult criminal legal system responses in addressing the distinct needs of emerging adults with SUDs.