Alcohol, drugs, and crime

Abstract

There is a substantial body of research, beginning in the 1950s that supports an association between alcohol, drugs, and crime. Much of this research has focused specifically on violent crime. Research shows that either the perpetrator or the victim, or both, is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of an offense or has used some substance 24 h prior (e.g., Haggård-Grann, Hallqvist, Långström, & Möller, 2006; Karberg & James, 2005; Moore et al., 2008). From this, it is easy to assume a direct causal link between substance use and criminal activity, particularly violent crime. However, the relationship is far more complex.