Criminal Activity and Drug Addiction

Studies have shown the correlation between drug addiction and criminal activity, both as a cause and an effect. Chemically dependent individuals often commit illegal activities out of desperation during the addiction cycle, leading them to associate with known criminals and end up in high-risk situations.

Separating Criminal Tendencies From Drug Dependency

Chemically dependent individuals often feel the shame of actions committed during their dependency period. However, drug addiction can lead chemically dependent individuals to commit actions they otherwise never would.

Criminal Activity During Drug Intoxication

When a dependent individual is under the influence of drugs, all natural systems begin to be affectedboth in the mind and body. The effects of chemicals on the brain can cause erratic thoughts, increased impulsivity and violent outbursts. During intoxication, cognitive function becomes impaired, leading to poor decision making and skewed risk assessment.

In fact, according to a recent national crime survey, just under one-third of violent criminals were intoxicated by drugs during the time of their crimes. Even at time of booking, over half of arrested individuals test positive for drug or alcohol use.

Drug Dependency as a Motivation for Crime

The body experiences cravings for the drug, creating symptoms of withdrawal that can feel unbearable. Just as sober, upstanding individuals might be driven to steal if their survival depended on it, chemically dependent individuals find themselves committing acts of desperation under the drug’s addictive pull. In fact, eighteen percent of state and federal prisoners commit their crimes in a quest for drug money to fuel their addictions, and five percent of homicides occur in drug related incidents.

Drug Addiction and Incarceration

Many people would like to believe that incarceration solves drug dependency issues. In truth, nearly two-thirds of local jail inmates remain chemically dependent on drugs or alcohol while still incarcerated. Until these dependent individuals receive treatment that addresses the physical and psychological root causes of addiction, even incarceration cannot break their addictions.

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