The Connection between Drugs and Crime - Literature review Example

Literature Review The correlation between high level of drug use and crime is by far one of the most widely researched topics in the field of criminology (Welte, Zhang et al. 20011). Various studies have focused on investigating the nature and extent of drug abuse among the criminal justice populations. The findings from various researches conducted in this behalf indicate that a significant proportion of the offenders surveyed had used drugs recently. The findings are similar across the world. For instance, in studies conducted in countries like U.S.A., Australia and the U.K have indicated that almost 63% to 69% of those arrested for crimes test (Bennett 20002; McKegany, Connelly et al. 20003; Fitzgerald and Chivlers 20024). Co-relation between drug use and crime: Scientific research conducted in the past several years offer substantial evidence which proves the association between drug abuse among youth and increased incidence of crime. However, drug abuse among youth cannot be held has the only factor liable for such a consequence. It can be regarded as one of the several factors which may help in explaining the criminal behavior of certain individuals, such as the behavior of individuals who are addicted to expensive drugs such as cocaine or crack, heroin etc., and have committed criminal acts to buy them. Although this can be viewed as a logical explanation for the rise in crime rates among drug users, it cannot be stated with precision that habitual drug users always resort to crime to acquire drugs. Research has also indicated various social, psychological as well as cultural factors responsible for drug use and hence crime. Factors such as poverty, lack of social moral values, individuals with serious personality disorders, close association with anti social elements in the society such as delinquents, drug peddlers or convicts, lack of education, etc. among others (Brouchu, 20025). International Evidence on drug abuse and crime: Historically there have been evidences which substantiate the hypothesis presented in this study which correlates drug abuse with crime, in studies conducted world wide. According to studies, conducted in 1998, one of the most commonly cited drug related arrests in the member states of the European Union, were associated with the use of marijuana (EMCDDA, 20006). During the same year similar data was observed in France, where as many as 85% of the arrests made were related to the use of marijuana (Ibid). Similar evidence was found in a study conducted in Australia, whereby 80% of the arrests made during the period 1996-97 involved use of marijuana, while a significant proportion of these arrests i.e. about 71%, were related to possession of the drug rather than trafficking (Higgins, Cooper, 20007). Studies conducted across Britain reveal similar results whereby a substantial proportion of arrests made were in relation to offences committed in the influence of marijuana (online, 20008). Arrests made in the United States for criminal behavior accounted for 80.5% all of them were drug related cases, while 40.5% of them were related to marijuana (online, 20009). In the Netherlands, the arrests made for drug related offences accounted for 81% during the year 1996 (EMCDDA, 200010). These findings reveal that drug users do resort to criminal behavior and that there is does exist a strong relationship between use of drugs and increased involvement in crime among youth. Theoretical Models: Drug related crimes are almost always regarded as violent in nature. Such a psychopharmacological association entails that individuals involved in drug abuse may resort to criminal behavior or at times extremely aggressive criminal behavior after using certain drugs. It may be hence be established that use of certain drugs leads to loss of judgment and self control, developing unreasonable designs or cause indistinct reticence and discernment (Single, 199811). Despite the fact that all drugs may cause a significant impact on an individual’s functioning or on their nervous system thereby leading to such extremely violent and anti-social behavior, certain substances are more strongly associated with involvement in criminal activities as compared to others. Such substances include cocain, PCP, amphetamines and barbiturates. While drugs such as heroin and cannabis are usually known to cause a frail yearning to indulge in violent activities in order to deal with disputes (White, 199012). Common and known reactions related to use of certain drugs: Marijuana Marijuana is normally related to a lessened need to exercise aggression. Heroin Similar to marijuana, use of heroin too, usually diminishes the urge to resort to violence as a means of resolving conflicts. In certain cases, however, it may be observed that troubled or reckless behavior may be displayed by the drug users, if they are abstained from consuming drugs, particularly during the period of withdrawal. Cocaine The key attribute of this drug is that it arouses the central nervous system and hence sustained use of cocaine may lead to paranoid behavior. However such symptoms are only observed in those who use it on a regular basis, i.e. addicts. There are reports which claim that sustained use of cocaine causes irritability and anxiety and its sustained use may cause the users to indulge in anti-social behavior. PCP PCP is known for its effect on the users. Use of PCP causes hallucinations, analgesia, and drowsiness. It also affects the central nervous system, as observed in case of cocaine users. Although medical evidence regarding the far reaching impact of this drug on criminal behavior is incomplete, at this point of time, it is widely known for its close association with violence, similar to the traits observed in alcohol users. LSD Similar to PCP, LSD is also known to cause hallucinations and hence stimulate violent or aggressive acts. Amphetamines The chief characteristic of amphetamines is similar to cocaine i.e., the use of amphetamines too, causes a significant impact on the central nervous system and thereby lead to terror, bad temper, unease and at times lethal neurosis or obsession (McBride, 198113). However, there is inadequate evidence regarding the effects of amphetamines as well as its relation to crime. Although several studies have been conducted so far, to probe their association with various factors or impact on its use on criminal behavior, no specific link has yet been established. There is, however, substantial evidence based on research, which suggests that there is a strong relationship between consumption of psychoactive drugs stimulates violent behavior (Harrison et al, 199014). Discussion In accordance with the wide range of evidence derived from various studies, it can safely be stated that drug use is invariably related to heightened criminal behavior. However, regardless of the considerable evidence linking drug use with crime, the exact cause and effect link cannot be properly established. The hypothesis that drug abuse among youth causes crime cannot be established with conviction since it completely disregards the fact that most of the drug users may not be regular addicts and that other factors such as socio-cultural factors, neighborhood in which the offenders live, or other similar personal backgrounds should be probed and compared in order to derive more rational conclusions. Furthermore, it is also known that drug abuse, especially among youth, is more often than not, a consequence of irregular, frivolous, and an “adventurous” activity and that it is highly unlikely that such infrequent indulgence in “fun” activities can lead them to become regular users and drive them towards criminal behavior (Alexander, 199015). According to certain researchers all crimes have distinct explanations for distinct individuals (Shaffer, Nurco et al., 198416) and no “single” and commonly accepted theory can be developed which justifies the drug-crime nexus. The presence of substantial evidence that links drug use with crime cannot be used to negate the fact that eliminating drug use may lead to a complete and total eradication of criminal activity. Such an observation is particularly relevant with regard to policy makers who may initiate appropriate intervention and policy development. Thus regardless of availability of proper and adequate evidence which establishes a strong association between drug abuse and crime, the scientific and empirical literature included as a part of this study, reveals that drug-crime nexus is relatively more complicated than what it is perceived. The historical evidence included in earlier sections, also suggest that drug use and rise in arrests of individuals convicted of violent or offensive behavior are coincidental in nature and go hand in hand, thereby further justifying the hypothesis. The discussion about various types of drugs and its effects reveal their potential to cause paranoid behavior and hence lead to acts of aggression. Such data further helps in analyzing the lives of individuals involved in drug abuse, and offer an opportunity to study it from diverse perspectives. The key objective of this paper is to study various links between use of drugs and crime. Conclusion In view of the findings made during this study, it can be suggested that future research must explore other aspects related to the association of drugs and crime among youth, such as the effectiveness of drug prevention measures or rehabilitation in preventing drug consumption and crime. Also efforts must be taken to increase the implementation of better healthcare policies and promote socialization of victims of drug abuse. The effects of such intervention measures can subsequently be studied and compared to strengthen or dismiss claims about the drug crime association. Further research may also be conducted with regard to the study of differential effects of drug use on gender, ethnicity, type of offences committed with relation to the type of drug used etc. Research may also be conducted in studying the influence of treatment of drug users on crime reduction and analyzing the various causes that drive the youth towards drug abuse and ultimately crime. Read More