Because substance abuse and delinquency are inextricably interrelated, identifying substance-abusing youth in the juvenile justice system is an important first step for intervening in both their substance abuse and their delinquent behavior. Drug identification strategies, followed by effective interventions, help prevent further illicit drug use and delinquency. Drug testing can be a constructive means of helping youth overcome denial of their substance abuse. As a part of intervention, drug testing can be used to help youth achieve and maintain recovery and curtail other deviant behaviors. Over time, effective drug identification will help juvenile justice agencies achieve the goals of a balanced approach including community protection, youth accountability, and competency development.

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