Protecting young people from substance use and crime: building safer communities and pathways to support

Young people's involvement in substance use and crime cannot be understood without considering the environments in which they grow up. Family circumstances, social connections, exposure to violence and access to opportunities can influence vulnerability, while supportive relationships, education and community engagement can help protect young people and create pathways towards healthier futures.

These issues were explored during Addressing Youth Substance Use and Crime: Risk Factors and...

Evidence-based interventions can improve prevention, treatment and recovery outcomes, but knowing what works does not guarantee that people will benefit. Effective responses depend on trained professionals, supportive systems, coordinated services and the ability to translate research into everyday practice. Even when appropriate interventions exist, gaps in implementation, access and continuity of care can limit their impact.

These challenges were at the centre of From Evidence to Practice: Advances in Substance Use Disorder Care, held on 22 September during ISSUP’s 2026 virtual conference...

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...

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...