TITLE:
The Future at Stake: A Systematic Review of Curbing Early Age Incarceration and Its Psycho-Spiritual Effects
AUTHORS:
Monique Ejim
KEYWORDS:
Addictions, Anxiety, Depression, Delinquency, Deviant Behavior, Drug Overdose, Psychology, Psychosocial Maturity, Psychological Well-Being, Racial Disparities, Spirituality, Self-Discovery
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.13 No.7,
July
30,
2025
ABSTRACT: Mental health is a global problem that has taken a toll on individuals. This is prominent in the United States and particularly among minority groups. Research has it that African Americans have faced significant racial health disparities within the healthcare system (Wang et al., 2025a). These inequities have played a critical role in the severe outcomes associated with the war on drugs. It is not an exaggeration to state that African Americans have experienced higher mortality rates due to unjust treatment and disproportionately high incarceration rates, which can be partially linked to untreated mental health and substance use disorders. Research indicates that the American legal system currently treats drug use as a criminal issue rather than recognizing it as a public health crisis (Pedersen, 2025; Grahl Johnstad, 2025). This paper intends to appraise effective treatments for mental health issues, emphasizing rehabilitation, human recovery, and the decriminalization of drug use. As echoed by scholars, if there is increased use of illicit drugs, it may give rise to increased use of licit drugs, and if drug criminalization entails an increase in violent crime, the victimized population could be at risk (Pedersen, 2025; Grahl Johnstad, 2025). This study implies that implementing suitable mental health interventions could reduce juvenile incarceration rates. Thus, it is essential to investigate the implications of early incarceration and its psychological effects on adolescents. This report argues that spirituality can enhance self-awareness and foster self-discovery, ultimately supporting individual well-being. We will conduct a systematic review of the implications of addictive behaviors related to drug use and examine the potential role of personal responsibility in reducing early incarceration rates. Additionally, we will analyze the impacts of responsibility, spirituality, and psychosocial development on addictions. The key question is whether individuals can overcome substance use through spiritual practices.