Drug Addiction and Crime

Surveys and studies conducted over the last decade establishes a very direct relation between alcohol/drug use and the increase in criminal activities. Over 50% of those involved in the committing criminal activities have been reported to have an alcohol or drug addiction problem. But is criminal activity common among those that regularly consume alcohol or drugs or is it the alcohol or drugs that lead to them committing criminal offences? We look at some of the ways in which alcohol and drug use in individuals can end up leading to criminal activity.

Academic Delinquency in Young Adults

Alcohol and Drug use in Young Adults is known to cause Mental Heath Conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Frequent Headaches, Hangovers, etc.. Alcohol and Drugs use can also lead to issues with memory retention and recall in students and the inability to focus. This can have a direct impact on their academic performance and can lead to them skipping school or dripping out entirely. The lack of higher education and frequent alcohol and drug use can lead to such users growing up to turn to criminal behaviour to fulfil their alcohol/drug habits and their life obligations. 

Lowered Inhibition and a Lack of Judgement

Drug and Alcohol use destabilises the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for mood and emotion. It is also known to impact the region of the brain that is responsible for a user’s decision making ability. Alcohol and Drug use can thus directly lead to lowered inhibition and lack of judgement in those under the influence. The likely result in individuals that are frequently under the influence of alcohol or drugs is involvement in criminal activity such as stealing, lewd or inappropriate behaviour, getting into fights, drive under the influence, sexual assault, etc.. Such activities can increase the likelihood of getting arrested due to the criminal nature of the actions.

Lack of Gainful Employment

Individuals that are addicted to alcohol or drugs constantly crave alcohol or drugs. They are unlikely to be able to cope with the responsibilities of a job or even family for that matter. Such individuals do not end up remaining employed for a long period of time. They end up disappearing  from work for extended periods and are unlikely to fulfil their work commitments. They constantly come up with excuses for not completing their work and in most cases end up getting fired from their job. They end up committing crimes to pay for their expensive alcohol and drug habits.

Committing Crimes to pay for Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and Drugs are expensive habits to maintain – not just in terms of money but also time. You cannot be gainfully employed and work to pay for the drugs but also work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. So, any employment while nurturing an addiction is unlikely to last. But what can one do to pay for the drugs if they get fired from their job? The likely option and the most common one is committing crimes. Most adults commit crimes such as robbery, theft, chain-snatching, etc.. to pay for the alcohol or drugs. Such adults become habitual offenders once they and their crimes only end up getting increasingly violent over time.

Incarceration and Lack of Opportunities after

Moderate to Frequent Drug and Alcohol use can lead to users getting arrested and going to jail. Possession or distribution of drugs, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, stealing or assault committed under the influence of alcohol or drug use can lead to individuals facing jail time for their actions. And the frequency of alcohol and drug use can lead to criminal activity at one point of time or the other. The issue in such cases is that individuals that have been incarcerated lack the opportunities to most jobs thereafter due to their criminal record. But their alcohol and drug habits continue unabated leading to them turning to a life of crime to fund their expensive habit.

Mixing Alcohol with other Drugs and Caffeine

Mixing Alcohol with other Drugs including caffeine can mask the real effects of alcohol in the body and the mind. Such instances can lead to dangerous, reckless and often illegal behaviour that results in people getting hurt or hurting others.

Getting the Right Help

Are you or your loved one suffering from an Addiction? It’s never too late to get the right help! Phoenix Rehab is a Licensed Rehab located in Hyderabad, India and we are available to provide you with Safe and Confidential Treatment. For help reach us at +91 77999 19293.