Prevention of youth involvement in the use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or their analogues by members of organized criminal groups

The accelerated course for European integration of Ukraine requires not only the modernization of methods of combating crime, but also the implementation of international standards for the protection of youth rights, enshrined in international and domestic legislation. Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, children’s services and specialized social protection institutions, it was not possible to eliminate key threats to national security. This led to a deterioration of the criminogenic situation in conditions of martial law, mass population displacement and socio-economic instability. Young people, due to psychological immaturity, dependence on the older generation, limited life experience and other factors, have become particularly vulnerable to various dangers, in particular to the problem of drug addiction. The article emphasizes that one of the major issues facing modern youth is the use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or their analogues. Mental and behavioral disorders resulting from the consumption of psychoactive substances pose serious threats to public safety, leading to the commission of criminal offenses. The scale of crime necessitates that criminal justice authorities strengthen the legal and organizational foundations of their activities in combating this phenomenon, including reinforcing their criminological functions. The author proposes criminological measures to prevent the involvement of youth in drug use by members of organized criminal groups. It is noted that the effectiveness of general social measures aimed at preventing youth involvement in the use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, or their analogues depends on the state’s ability to develop and implement effective sets of preventive measures in legal, economic, and social spheres. Regarding special criminological measures designed to prevent youth involvement in drug use, they include actions aimed both at halting already committed criminal offenses and preventing new ones by reducing drug abuse or demand, as well as the illegal supply of narcotic drugs. These measures are closely linked to individualized preventive initiatives, such as identifying individuals who abuse drugs or use them without medical indications, monitoring their behavior and lifestyle, and conducting educational, medical, and legal interventions with young people to prevent non-medical drug use.