Impact of Substance Abuse on Criminal Careers (From Criminal Careers and 'Career Criminals,' Volume II, P 52-88, 1986, Alfred Blumstein, et al, eds. - See NCJ-102772)

• NCJ Number: 102774
• Author(s): E D Wish; B D Johnson
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 37 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; National Academies Press; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-102772.

Annotation

An analysis of selected studies forms the basis of this discussion of the effect of illicit drug use on criminal careers.

Abstract

Most of the studies analyzed concern crime among users of heroin, cocaine, or both. Greater levels of illicit drug use are related to greater levels of both drug distribution offenses and serious offenses that are unrelated to drugs. Youths involved in cocaine, heroin, or pills account for a disproportionate amount of all juvenile crime. The drug users involved in crime have so many other adjustment problems that it is impossible to determine cause and effect. These drug users typically engage in a spectrum of crimes. If the drug user remains in treatment, both drug use and crime can be reduced. Urinalysis appears to be an effective way to identify drug users. However, more information is needed on how to use this approach. Little is known about the natural course of drug use and crime among people processed by the criminal justice system. The reason for the lower prevalence of drug use among arrestees over age 35 also needs exploration. Research is also needed on the effects of efforts to reduce the supply of drugs and on ways to reduce offenders' demand for drugs. Appendixes discuss methodological issues and summarize the studies reviewed. Data tables and 98 references.