Samenvatting

This research paper looks at the relationship between substance use and delinquency among young adults (aged 15 till 25 years) in a probation service for addicted offenders. Using a qualitative research method, twelve young adults give their opinions on the origin and development of their own problematic behavior. Results indicate that there is a relationship between substance use and delinquency, though determining causality is difficult and differs on an individual basis. They explain that this relationship is usually established in a risky environment and gradually grows by encounters with both substance use and criminal behavior, often early on in childhood. Friends and family introduced them to a problematic lifestyle in which drugs, alcohol and criminal offences appeared to be normal. Looking for excitement, being part of a group and experiencing positive effects after using substances are factors that stimulate them to continue with this behavior. The downside being that these adolescents get deeper into trouble and develop a dependency for this lifestyle. At that moment, certain turning points can offer a way to escape from using substances and/or committing offences