The Link between Substance Abuse and Crime - Essay Example

EVIDENCE CONCERNING THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF SUBSTANCE MISUSE IN RELATION TO CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR Substance Abuse and Criminal Behavior (Name) (Course) (Institution) (Instructor’s name) (Date) Introduction Drug and substance abuse and its link to criminal behaviour has a taken a toll in our contemporary society, and can only be partly measured. The study of the relationship between criminal activity and drug abuse is currently at the core of most of the research studies carried out in criminology. There is a constant worry by and in the mass media, public, communities and parents concerning the numerous problems associated with the youth who abuse drugs. This paper examines the relationship between substance and drug abuse and criminal behaviour. In order to accomplish this task, the paper will address the following issues: find out the relationship between criminal activities and drug abuse; the extend in which drug abusers are involved in criminal activities; establish the reasons as to why drug and substance abusers take part in specific types of criminal activities; and find out the measures to be applied in order to reduce drug-related crimes The relationship between drug abuse and criminal activities Clinard and Meier (1995) highlight that not only are production, selling and the use of some drugs unlawful, but there exist crimes related to drug abuse such as those that are done by drug addicts to get funds to purchase drugs. Numerous research studies in the field of criminology have consistently established a close link between substance and drug abuse with various criminal behaviours. This linkage stands true as established by different studies on criminal justice populations, general population surveys and studies conducted concerning populations of known substance and drug abusers. The relationship also validates the fact that both adolescent and adult offenders are closely linked to criminal activities. Similarly, studies concerning narcotic and cocaine addicts prove that these people often take part in major criminal offences (Bennett & Holloway, 2004). One of the major criminal offences carried out by many drug abusers is the selling of drugs. However, there exists no firm evidence regarding the causal relationship between crime and drug use. Researchers have reached at a general conclusion that unusual behaviours such as criminal offences and drug use take place within the framework of a common deviance syndrome. An individual who is likely to take part in one type of a deviant behaviour, such as crime, is also likely to take part in other types of deviant behaviours, such as drug use. Another factor explaining the relationship between crime and drug use, especially property crime, concerns economic motivation because of the high prices of illicit drugs. For instance, there is no established research showing how the use of cannabis leads to criminal offences for economic gain. On the other hand, alcohol, due to its low cost and legality, likewise does not lead to crime for economic gain. Nevertheless, there exists some proof that the use of opiate leads to criminal offence for economic gain (Turnbull, 2000). Use of cocaine has also been linked to crime for economic achievement. However, narcotic addicts increase their involvement in crime during periods of increased narcotic use and income from property crimes goes up with elevated narcotic use (Guppy et al., 2004). Further research into this subject confirms that non-property crime is not linked to the level of narcotic use, indicating that the correlation between crime and the use of narcotics is accredited to economic motivations. Concerning the relationship between violent crimes and drug use, further studies should be conducted since this field has not been well researched. The existing research however, hints that drugs addicts commit the minority of the violent offences. This study was applied in studying the rates of homicides in the New York. It was found that alcohol and drugs were significant causes for a large portion of homicides. For instance, in 1988, it was found that 53% of the 414 cases of homicide were related to drugs. Of all substances that are known as psychoactive, alcohol consumption is known to cause increased aggression. After consuming cocaine and amphetamines, some individuals can have violent outbursts due to pre-existing psychosis. Consumption of alcohol and violence is connected through pharmacological outcomes on behaviour through prospects that violence and heavy drinking go hand in hand in particular settings. However, the greater number of murderers associated with drug use are as a result of systematic violence caused by the drug trade. It is proposed that drug users often tend to finance their drug use through taking part in the drug distribution business than taking part in aggressive predatory theft. Drugs can also contain indirect impacts on criminal behaviour and violence since individuals drug addicts often commit criminal offences or take part in violence in order to obtain drugs. Such individuals may commit robbery or theft; indulge in prostitution and selling of drugs in order to be assured of their accessibility to such drugs. The war on drugs also presents some connection between drug abuse and criminal offenses. Placing a ban on the use of drugs results in black market prices. This in turn generates violence and crime because dealers engage in fights over sales and turf, and drug users turn into theft in order to obtain money to buy the illicit substances and drugs at inflated prices. The laws on illicit drugs turn users, requiring treatment into criminals (Roe, 2005). This therefore suggests that all drugs should be legalized in order to minimize the destructions they cause by controlling their sale and care for their victims. Extent of substance misuse in relation to criminal behaviour Numerous studies have reported strong linkages connecting substance misuse and violent crimes, although the population effect of persons diagnosed with misuse of substance disorders on those crimes is unknown. Determining criminal behaviours and the relative significance of various classes of drugs is vital to estimate the possibilities of criminal activities as a result of substance misuse. The use of drugs has continued to badly affect our society and plague our states, and research continues to point out that drug use accelerates criminal behaviours. There are various crimes that are linked to substance misuse. Such crimes include crimes that take place due to the offender’s use of drugs which lead to violent or irrational behaviors referred to as offender related. This comprises of perpetration of a crime by the offender against a victim together with self victimization as a result of mood changes instigated by substance misuse. Such crimes as well include crimes that are committed by offenders experiencing withdrawal symptoms for instance high levels of irritability and anxiety and intentional ingestion of drugs to inspire courage and relieve anxieties in preparation for actions of violence. Current national statistics reveal that in 1999, there were111 narcotic induced brawls and 187 alcohol induced brawls that led in murder (Federal Bureau of Investigation). Substance misuse can result to amplified robberies and property crimes. It is well clear that the increased rates of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence result from drug and alcohol misuse (National Institute of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice, 2007). Other crimes related to substance misuse include economic related crimes whereby offenders commit crimes in order to support more substance use and misuse. These types of crimes may not be classified as intrinsically violent but with time, they may become violent. Current statistics connected to economic crimes include: According to Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997, 16 percent of federal inmates and 19 percent of state prisoners revealed that, they committed these offenses in order to obtain money for drugs (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1997). The other type of substance misuse related crimes include system related. They are either directly or indirectly connected to drug trafficking and distribution frequently linked with violent crimes. Thus system related crimes include drug possession, and violent crimes resulting from their use. Such crimes as killing informants, and death or injury resulting from drug possession disputes are categorized in this group. Substance misuse and criminal behavior evidently seem to be linked. Research indicates that offenders are more likely to be engaged in criminal behaviors, arrestees are likely under a drug influence at the moment they commit their offenses and lastly, violence is also generated by drug trafficking and distribution. However, without substantial evidence, it is not possible to say quantitatively the level of substance misuse that result to crimes. Thus a good reporting is important as it will offer a more qualitative proof of the number of crimes that are linked to substance misuse. Why are substance users engaged in specific types of criminal activities? Substance abusers are mostly seen to be engaged in particular types of criminal behaviours. For instance, alcohol and drug abuse is linked to amplified rates of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence; and robberies, homicides, property crimes respectively. Most drug abusers commit such crimes in order to support their additional drug use. Research shows that, the offenders commit these offenses in order to get money to buy more drugs. In some circumstances, these individuals commit violent offenses while others engage in property crimes. Misuse of substance modifies an individual way of thinking leading to commission of violent or irrational behaviours. It affects the behavioral and psychological characteristics of an individual affecting the chemistry of his brains. How these individuals behave and how they act in response to other influences is influenced by the use of drugs. This is the reason behind the increased rates of sexual crimes and child abuse in many states (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2000). Substance abusers are also seen to mostly engage in system related crimes which lead to commission of certain violent crimes. These crimes result from dealings among drug dealers, disputes among individuals, competition for customers and drug market, and identification of informers. In order to hide their identity and reduce competition for customers and market, most of the drug dealers and users commits such crimes as murder by killing the informants and their competitors (Beaukimer & Reuters, 2000). Therefore in summary we can say that, systematic violence is linked to marketing and distribution of drugs, economic violence is committed instrumentally in order to generate money to buy such substances, and psychopharmacological violence that is committed as a result of the direct consequences of such substances on the user (Blaikie, 2003). The Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study (DTORS) DTORS was specially made by the England government department with a goal of creating a drug policy. This research wanted to find out what happened after drug victims were treated. After this study was carried out in 2006, substance abuse and drug related crimes were seen to go down while social costs were saved. However, there were minor improvements in general life compared to treatment costs. During the treatment period, many respondents felt that, the use of these substances was causing problems. After five to six months of treatment, the overall consumption of drugs fell drastically and this had a major influence on criminal behaviours. Crime fell substantially. Before seeking treatment, about 40 percent of the victims reported that they had committed an acquisitive offense. After three to five months of treatment, this had reduced to 21 percent and within a year, it had fallen to 16 percent. After six months in treatment, this reduction had flattened out. In addition, reduction was also noticeable in serious crimes such as homicide, robberies and sexual offenses. Although offending did not end, on average substantial reduction was recorded in its volume and the costs linked to it. This was a result of improvements in people health and their way of thinking and in general cut in substance use which is the cause of all these criminal behaviours (Jones, 2009). This research is an evidence of the linkage between substance misuse and criminal behaviors and it can be concluded that, the two have a direct linkage. The use of substances can be listed as one of the major cause of certain criminal behaviours. Measures to be applied in order to reduce drug-related crimes Drug abuse should be categorized as a public health problem instead of a law enforcement matter. Criminal penalties for abuse of drugs should also be eliminated. This is because the problems caused by drug abuse are mainly caused by the fact that they are illegal. Introduction of a more considerate policy would help control their distribution and dampen their use. The other measure to be applied is to control the sale of drugs and allow the use of some such as marijuana, but only under the care of a medical expert. Alcohol prohibition in the 1920s did not work, and consequently, drug prohibition is still not working today. Therefore, decriminalizing drug use will wipe out the illicit drug trade. Drug treatment programs should also be expanded to incorporate those in prisons. Insurance companies should cover substance and drug abuse like other physical illness. Drug abuse has sent numerous drug users to prison rather than saving their lives with treatment (Makkai et al., 2000). Treatment of drug addicts should be available to all and stigma free. Drug use among minors should be restricted through control of sales. Research shows that treatment schedules are the cheapest methods of dealing with the issue of drugs. However, expensive treatment schedules also pay for themselves by minimizing the costs lost in crime, health care and productivity (Gossop, 2005). Conclusion This paper has focused on the nature and extent of substance misuse in relation to criminal behavior. Criminal behaviours can be seen to be strongly influenced by use of drug and substances. Research shows that, many crimes such as economic violence, system violence and offender related crimes are committed by persons under influence of drugs. However, without substantial evidence, it is not possible to say quantitatively the level of substance misuse that result to crimes. Thus a good reporting is important as it will offer a more qualitative proof of the number and type of crimes that are linked to substance misuse. References Beaukimer, R. & Reuters, P. (2000).  Research on Drugs – Crime Linkages: The Next Generation. United States of America, available at http//www.Ojp.gov/ojs. Accessed March 1, 2011. Bennett T & Holloway K (2004). Drug use and offending: summary results of the first two years of the NEW-ADAM programme. Home Office Findings Report 179. London: Home Office. Available at http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs04/r179.pdf. Accessed on March 1, 2011  Blaikie, N. (2003). Analyzing Quantitative Data: From Description to Explanation. London: Sage Publication Inc. Bureau of Justice Statistics (1999). Substance Abuse and Treatment, State and Federal Prisoners, 1997. Washindton, DC: US. Department of Justice. Clinard, M.B. & Meier, R. F. (1995). Sociology of Deviant Behaviour. 9 Editions New York: Harcourt Brace College Publishers. Gossop, M. (2005). Drug misuse treatment and reductions in crime. Report for National Treatment Agency on Substance Misuse. Available at http://www.nta.nhs.uk/publications/documents/nta_drug_treatment_crime_reduction_ntors_findings_2005_rb8.pdf. Accessed on March 1, 2011 Guppy, A. Johnson, P. & Wallace-Bell, M. (2004). Drug arrest referral schemes and forensic perspectives on the treatment of addiction. In J. Adler (Ed). Forensic Psychology London: Willan. Jones A., Donmall M., Millar T. et al. (2009). The Drug Treatment Outcomes Research Study (DTORS): final outcomes report. Available at www.dtors.org.uk . Accessed March 1, 2011. Makkai, T., Fitzgerald, J., & Doak, P. (2000). Drug Use Among Police Detainees. Bulletin on Crime and Justice. Cabrera: Australian Institute of Criminology National Drug Information System (2000). Available at http://www.adk.gov.my/nadihtml Accessed on March 1, 2011 National Institute of Justice. (2000). 1999 annual report on drug abuse among adult and juvenile arrestees. Washington, DC: US. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice. Roe, S., (2005). Drug misuse declared in 2004-5: results from the British Crime Survey. Home Office Statistical Bulletin 16/05. Available at http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs05/hosb1605.pdf. Accessed on March 1, 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2000). 1999 National Household Survey Highlights. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Turnbull D. (2000). Drug Treatment and Testing Orders. Home Office Report 212. London: Home Office. Available at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs/hors212.pdf. Accessed on March 1, 2011 Read More