UW News
gangs
March 13, 2014
Negative effects of joining a gang last long after gang membership ends
![Bloods gang sign.](https://uw-s3-cdn.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/02/04184733/Bloods-Gang_Sign-WikiMediaCommons-Schyler-150x150.jpg)
Joining a gang in adolescence has significant consequences in adulthood beyond criminal behavior, even after a person leaves the gang. Former gang members are more likely to be in poor health, receiving government assistance and struggling with drug abuse than someone who never joined a gang.