NCJ Number
126323
Date Published
1990
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Many recent research studies have shown that narcotic addicts as a group engage extensively in crime, but both the amounts and types of crimes and the connection between drug use and crime vary considerably from one individual to another.
Abstract
Most studies conducted from the 1920's through the 1970's were methodologically flawed and focused largely on the issue of whether crime or drugs came first. More recent studies have used more sophisticated methodologies and have recognized the complexity of the drug-crime relationship and the diversity of drug users. Thus, they have found that some addicts commit a considerable amount of crime, regardless of when and whether they are addicted, while other addicts may commit little crime and only crime directly related to their use of drugs. Thus, effective strategies for dealing with the drug-crime problem will depend largely on recognizing this diversity among addicts and on tailoring both therapeutic and judicial countermeasures to individual requirements. Finally, greater support for prevention and treatment programs would reduce the demand for drugs and would be more effective in addressing the drug-crime problem than would legalization or other measures that focus on supply. 75 reference notes