Drug abuse and addiction carry many risk factors, socially, emotionally, and physically. One of the major risk factors of drug addiction is the increased likelihood of committing a crime either while under the influence or in an attempt to sustain a drug habit. Most drug abuse is in itself a crime, as illicit substances are mostly illegal in this country.
Drugs and crime are usually related in one of three ways: as a drug-related offense, as a drug-defined offense, or due to a drug-using lifestyle. The US prison population is one of the highest in the world per capita, with 2.4 million behind bars, as published by the Washington Post. The FBI reports that more people were arrested for drug abuse violations (1,552,432) in 2012 than for any other crime.
Criminal Offenses Linked to Drug Use
When a drug is thought to play a role in the commission of a crime, like violence for example, the offense is said to be drug-related. Drug-related offenses are any type of crime that is committed while the user is under the influence of drugs. Drug abusers often commit crimes when seeking out money to buy more drugs, which are also considered drug-related crimes.
Drug-defined offenses refers to any offense that is in violation of drug laws. This includes possession, manufacturing, distribution, or use of the drug. Drug addicts are often caught up in a lifestyle that includes illegal elements, and any crimes committed because of this are considered drug-using lifestyle offenses. Drugs are often linked to crimes when the arrestee tests positive for drugs upon arrest. According to the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring Annual Report (ADAM II), over 60 percent of those arrested had at least one drug in their system at the time of their arrest.
Types of offenses drugs have been linked to include:
- Possession and use
- Drug trafficking
- Drug manufacturing or sales
- Homicide and manslaughter
- Robbery, burglary and larceny
- Motor vehicle offenses
- Assault, battery and aggravated assault
- Hate crimes
- Weapons crimes
- Prostitution
- Sexual assault and rape
- Arson
The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse ran a study on inmate populations and found that drugs and alcohol were significant factors in property crimes 83 percent of the time and violent crimes 78 percent of the time.
Incarceration and Prevention
Incarceration often serves to only increase the risks for drug addiction and abuse. In fact, the Department of Justice estimates that around half of the federal prison population meets the criteria for drug dependence or abuse while only 20 percent of them are receiving treatment. Without proper treatment, these offenders are more likely to re-offend after release.
Drug addiction is a serious disorder that, when left untreated, has massive side effects and dangerous risk factors. If you are, or your loved one is, struggling with drug addiction, it is important to seek help immediately before things get out of hand. Black Bear Lodge offers a state-of-the art facility nestled in the beautiful foothills providing specialized care for the body, mind, and spirit. Drug rehab may include detox overseen by consulting physicians as well as therapy sessions tailored to individual needs. Our professional staff helps to discover the causes of addiction and works to change lives for the better. Call us at 706-909-9811 to speak with one of our admissions coordinator today for a brighter tomorrow.