NCJ Number
74313
Journal
International Criminal Police Review Volume: 35 Issue: 339 Dated: (June-July 1980) Pages: 156-178
Date Published
1980
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Basic hypotheses or departure points are presented which may be used for study and research bearing upon the interaction of drug use and criminal behavior, with particular reference to Spain.
Abstract
Many aspects of the relationship between drugs and crime are not known, and there is no scientific evidence about the possible criminogenic potential of drugs in general, or of particular drugs, or of their effects at various stages of intoxication. Drugs undeniably inhibit self-control and leave the consumer at the mercy of his/her instincts and external suggestions, so that interpretations of reality are distorted and sensations frequently abnormal. Clearly, criminal behavior could be prompted by such a state, but not necessarily, thus leaving the researcher with the task of determining how different personalities behave at the various stages of intoxication of particular drugs. The possibility arises that massive drug consumption may produce a 'new' type of criminality, where criminal behavior becomes an expression of emotions or perceptions induced by drugs. Research should seek to determine whether new antisocial manifestations by youth influenced by drugs constitute a new form of criminality. Other areas discussed are propaganda favoring drug consumption, illegal presciptions and sales by doctors, inducing people to take drugs by trickery, illicit traffic, and the victims of drug abuse. Graphic data on the degenerative effect of various types of drugs are included. Notes and 154 references are provided.