Substance Abuse and Crime in Sweden - Econometric Estimates of Linkages (From Econometric Analysis of Crime in Sweden, P 23-34, 1986, by Perry Shapiro and Harold L Votey, Jr - See NCJ-104530)

• NCJ Number: 104532
• Author(s): H L Votey
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; Liber Distribution Foerlagsorder; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: Sweden
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-104530.

Annotation

An econometric model of crime across Swedish counties was used to examine the relationship between drug and alcohol use and various felony offenses.

Abstract

Data included crime rates by county between 1975 through 1980 and 1980 data on the distribution of known drug users by county. Results show that drug and alcohol abuse are common among offenders in general. They also indicate that there is a stronger association between economically motivated crimes and substance abuse, suggesting that a causal link may exist between substance abuse and property crime to pay for the costs of drugs and alcohol. In addition, use of alcohol, cannabis, and alcohol appear to be less related to both general classes of crime in the aggregate than do use of central stimulants. This latter result provides support for a causal link between stimulant use and crime in general, including violent crime. Implications of findings for crime control policies are discussed. 3 tables and 10 references.