The Role of Executive Functioning on Alcohol and Illegal Substance Use Among Adolescent Offenders

The aim of the study was to examine the role of executive functioning on both alcohol and illegal substance use among a longitudinal sample of adolescent offenders. Time spent involved in the justice system places individuals at risk for substance use disorders, along with housing issues and an increased risk for future delinquent behavior. Executive function, or our decision-making processes, plays a critical role in high-risk behaviors and justice involvement; however, this has been minimally studied among the adolescent offenders. Statistical analyses were conducted with Mplus 8 utilizing generalized linear mixed modeling to examine the relationship between the independent variable (executive functioning), covariates (race, lifetime PTSD, lifetime alcohol misuse, and lifetime drug misuse) on the dependent variables (alcohol use post baseline and illicit substance use post baseline). Analysis used the Stroop Word/Color Test to examine the role of executive function on alcohol use and illicit substance use within a 1-year post-baseline period. Results showed alcohol use post baseline was significantly impacted by executive functioning. No significant effect was found between executive functioning and illicit substance use post baseline. Recommendations are made that enhanced education for adolescent offenders regarding decision-making skills and the need for increased prevention programs for the population. Additionally, research is needed to explore and develop effective treatment strategies that consider executive functioning for adolescent offenders.