The use of alcohol and other illicit substances is undeniably linked with delinquency among youth in the juvenile justice system (Bureau of Justice Statistics [BJS], 1992). Both income-generating crimes and violent offenses may be related to alcohol and other drug use by juveniles. Youth whose consumption of alcohol and other drugs goes beyond experimental or social use often need increasing amounts of the psychoactive substances and may resort to stealing, shoplifting, burglary, prostitution, and other income-producing crimes to purchase them.

Chemicals also affect behavior, sometimes leading to criminal conduct. Impaired judgment and aggressiveness are among the effects of alcohol and some other drugs. Behavioral consequences may include impaired driving, risky sexual activity, disorderly conduct, and violence.