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Volatile substance abuse and crime: data from U.K. press cuttings 1996-2007
1Toxicology Unit, Clinical Biochemistry, Bessemer Wing, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RS. robertflanagan@kch.nhs.uk
Medicine, Science, and the Law
|December 5, 2008
Summary
Volatile substance abuse (VSA) is linked to criminal behavior, with over 500 cases reported in the UK. This study highlights the significant social costs associated with VSA beyond mortality statistics.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Criminology
Background:
- Volatile substance abuse (VSA), also known as solvent abuse or glue sniffing, is associated with sudden death.
- Existing mortality data do not capture the broader social impact of VSA.
- Press-derived data offer an additional perspective on the societal burden of VSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between volatile substance abuse and criminal/antisocial behavior in the UK.
- To quantify the types of offenses linked to VSA and the demographics of individuals involved.
- To analyze trends in VSA-related criminal activity over a defined period.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of press cuttings to identify instances of VSA associated with criminal convictions or cautions.
- Data collection on individual demographics (age, gender), substances used, and types of offenses.
- Examination of geographical distribution and temporal trends of reported VSA-related incidents.
Main Results:
- 508 instances involving 569 individuals (predominantly male, median age 25) linked VSA to criminal behavior.
- Commonly abused substances included glue, LPG/butane, solvents, and petrol.
- Offenses ranged from homicide and sexual assault to theft, arson, and public nuisance, with assault and nuisance being most frequent.
Conclusions:
- VSA is significantly associated with a wide spectrum of criminal and antisocial behaviors, imposing substantial social costs.
- The frequency of reported VSA-related offenses showed a declining trend between 1997 and 2007.
- The study underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted problem of volatile substance abuse.
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