NCJ Number
145712
Journal
Psychiatric Clinics of North America Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 605-622
Date Published
1993
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The relation between substance abuse and criminal behavior is examined.
Abstract
Some researchers have concluded that the relation between substance abuse and criminal behavior is simple; others have proposed that it is complex, with many intervening factors. The issue is important in terms of formulating an approach to treatment and policy. The authors discuss criminal behavior as associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs; and demographic factors such as age, gender, marital and educational status, race, and social status. They advise that the clinical evaluation of violent patients should include a careful mental status examination. Clinicians should remember that most organic disorders are associated with violent behavior. Use of alcohol and illegal substances, as well as the side effects of some pharmacological preparations, may precipitate violent behavior. Experiments should be conducted in which offenders' blood alcohol content at the time of offense is replicated, and their physiological responses evaluated. 73 references