Shared by Diana Crossan
(ISSUP staff) (National Chapter partner) -
Format
Leaflet, Infographic, Fact sheet, Poster
Background
With the largest population of adolescents globally (253 million), India is witnessing an increasing burden of substance use and mental health concerns. The age of substance use initiation is declining, with early risk taking and substance use behaviors being linked to substance use disorders and poor psychosocial outcomes later in adulthood. Despite this, there is a dearth of accessible and engaging prevention strategies that can effectively tackle adolescent substance use, highlighting need for contextually relevant and innovative interventions.
ISSUP Global, in collaboration with the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC), present a webinar on onnecting Civil Society with the United Nations: Opportunities for Engagement in Drug Policy, Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
Source: Nieri, T., Apkarian, J., Kulis, S., & Marsiglia, F. F. (2015). Effects of a youth substance use prevention program on stealing, fighting, and weapon use. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 36(1), 41–49. Abstract Using a sample of sixth graders in 11 public schools in a large Southwestern...
Source: Choi, H. J., Hecht, M. L., Pezalla, A., & Miller-Day, M. (2022). Delinquency behaviors and substance use of youth exposed to the keepin' it REAL substance use prevention program. Advances in Preventive Medicine and Health Care, 5, 1033. Abstract Introduction: Guided by problem behavior...
Fuente: García-Pérez, M. H., Marsiglia, F. F., & Kulis, S. (2023). Building a culture of peace in northern Mexico: the case of the Mantente REAL prevention program. Población y Salud en Mesoamérica, 21(1). Resumen Introducción: Por décadas, la frontera norte de México ha sido el centro de atención...
ISSUP Global, in collaboration with the African Union, presents a webinar on Strengthening Public Health and Security: African Union Strategy and Plan of Action on Drug Control and Crime Prevention.
ISSUP Uganda presents its webinar, " Building Safer Communities: The Role of Community Policing in Substance Use, violence and Crime Prevention in Uganda"
ISSUP Kenya would like to invite you to its webinar onSubstance Use Disorders: Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches; Bridging Policy, Clinical Practice and Recovery Support.
ISSUP Nigeria presents the 34th session of its bi-monthly webinar in the Knowledge Update Series. This webinar will focus on the topic 'Behavioural Addiction among Youths: Patterns and Innovative strategies for Prevention'.
ISSUP Uganda would like to invite you to its webinar, " Building Safer Communities: The Role of Community Policing in Substance Use, violence and Crime Prevention in Uganda"
Buja, A., Montecchio, L. & Dossi, F. Association Between Religiosity and Spirituality and Cocaine Use: A Systematic Review. J Relig Health 63, 3532–3579 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02069-6
This systematic review examines the association between religiosity, spirituality, and cocaine use by analysing findings from 20 observational studies involving adults and adolescents. Most studies found that higher levels of religiosity were associated with lower lifetime and current cocaine use, suggesting that religious engagement may serve as a protective factor against substance use.
The review also highlights important exceptions. One study involving sexual minority participants found that certain forms of private religious practice were associated with higher cocaine use, while several...
Johnson, Byron R., and Curtis S. Schroeder, 'Religion, Crime, and Criminal Justice', Oxford Handbook Topics in Criminology and Criminal Justice (2012; online edn, Oxford Academic, 2 June 2014), https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199935383.013.005, accessed 20 July 2026.
This chapter reviews the evidence on the relationship between religion, crime, and the criminal justice system. It highlights a growing body of research showing a consistent inverse association between religiosity and criminal behaviour, suggesting that higher levels of religious involvement are often linked to lower levels of offending.
The authors also discuss how these findings can inform crime prevention strategies and criminal justice policy. They argue that collaboration between faith communities and criminal justice systems may strengthen prevention efforts and contribute to more...
ISSUP Nigeria would like to invite you to the 34th session of its bi-monthly webinar in the Knowledge Update Series. This webinar will focus on the topic 'Behavioural Addiction among Youths: Patterns and Innovative strategies for Prevention'.
ISSUP Global, in collaboration with UNODC, present 'Youth Voices for Prevention: Creative Pathways to Address Violence, Crime, and Build Safer Communities.'
European Union Drugs Agency (2026), Addressing the recruitment of young people into criminal drugs networks, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg.
This report examines how and why young people are recruited into criminal drug networks across Europe. It highlights the range of factors that can increase vulnerability to recruitment, including social and economic disadvantage, peer influence, family circumstances, and community environments.
Drawing on international evidence, the report identifies several promising approaches to prevention, including family-based support, school-based interventions, community engagement, digital prevention initiatives, and targeted efforts to disrupt criminal networks. It also emphasizes the importance of...
Maguire, Edward & Gordon, C.. (2015). Faith-Based Interventions for Reducing Gang Violence in the Caribbean: Reflections from a Professor and a Priest
This book chapter explores the role of faith-based interventions in preventing and reducing gang violence in Trinidad and Tobago. Drawing on the experiences of a criminologist and a religious leader, it argues that gang violence should be viewed not only as a criminal justice issue but also as a community challenge that requires coordinated responses from multiple sectors.
The chapter describes faith-based initiatives implemented in a community affected by gang violence and highlights how religious organizations can contribute through community engagement, social support, mentorship, and...
Jones AA, Webb FJ, Lasopa SO, Striley CW, Cottler LB. The Association Between Religiosity and Substance Use Patterns Among Women Involved in the Criminal Justice System. J Drug Issues. 2018 Jul 1;48(3):327-336. doi: 10.1177/0022042618757208. Epub 2018 Feb 19. PMID: 33814600; PMCID: PMC8015967.
This study explores the relationship between religiosity and substance use patterns among women involved in the criminal justice system. Using data from women participating in a drug court programme in the United States, the researchers found that higher levels of religiosity were associated with a lower likelihood of cocaine use, either alone or in combination with cannabis.
The findings suggest that religiosity may serve as a protective factor for some forms of substance use, although the same association was not observed for cannabis use alone. Other factors linked to substance use...
Religiosity and crime: Evidence from a city-wide shock, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Volume 232, 2025, 106934, ISSN 0167-2681,
This study examines the relationship between religiosity and crime using data from the 2015 visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia. By analysing daily crime reports before, during, and after the visit, the researchers found a significant reduction in less serious crimes, particularly drug-related offences, during the week of the visit and for several weeks afterward.
The effects were strongest in historically Christian neighbourhoods, suggesting that increased religious engagement or community cohesion may have influenced behaviour. The study also compared the findings with President Obama’s...