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[Substance use and criminality: a review]
Tijdschrift Voor Psychiatrie
|January 22, 2014
Summary
Substance abuse, especially alcohol and drug combinations, predicts criminal behavior and recidivism. While not all substance users are criminals, the link between substance use and crime is significant.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Addiction Psychiatry
- Criminology
Context:
- Substance use disorders frequently co-occur with criminal activities, including violent offenses.
- Understanding the nexus between substance abuse and criminality is crucial for public health and safety.
- Previous research indicates complex interactions influencing this relationship.
Purpose:
- To systematically review the literature on the associations between problematic psychoactive substance use and addiction with antisocial behavior, aggression, and criminal recidivism.
- To synthesize findings from meta-analyses, reviews, and empirical studies.
- To clarify the specific roles of different substances and contributing factors.
Summary:
- Significant relationships exist between substance abuse and criminal behavior in both men and women.
- Alcohol abuse shows a stronger association with violence than other substance abuse. Cocaine use may directly stimulate violent behavior.
- Criminality and violence in substance abusers are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including illness severity, individual characteristics, situational elements, and substance expectancies.
Impact:
- Substance abuse, particularly combined alcohol and drug use, is a key predictor of criminal behavior and its recurrence.
- Findings inform targeted interventions and prevention strategies for individuals with substance use disorders and criminal histories.
- Highlights the need for comprehensive assessments addressing both substance use and criminogenic risk factors.
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