The purpose of this research is to inform and support the Scottish Prison Service’s alcohol desistance and violence reduction agenda. This research aims to develop our understanding of the use of alcohol, and violence, among male Young Offenders in Scotland. Understanding the reasons why young people now commonly accept that excessive drinking is the cultural norm and understanding young people’s perceptions of the disinhibiting effects that can lead to crime and violence, are central to the objectives of reducing offending and making Scotland a safer place to live. 

 

Project overview

This report brings together the findings of four research studies carried out over the past 30 years. These are:

1.      A survey of Young Offenders’ drinking conducted in 1979

2.      A survey of Young Offenders’ drinking and drug use conducted in 1996

3.      A survey of Young Offenders’ drinking, drug and weapon use conducted in 2007

4.      Interviews with Young Offenders about the above issues conducted in 2008