The Relationship of Crime and Addiction

The Relationship of Crime and Addicition 1

The Relationship of Crime and Addicition

Position Paper

Module

Law of Criminal Procedure

The Relationship of Crime and Addiction 2

“Narcotic addiction and the criminality of addicts have become a major social problem in the

United States.” (Narco, 1987, para. 2). It was estimated that during 1980, addicts committed 50

million drug related crimes, which cost the United States economy an estimated $46.9 billion. In

the state of New York, the number of inmates incarcerated increased from “13,000 in 1970 to

about 60,000 in 1992.” (Massaro & Pepper, 2002, para. 2). The United States had a total of

196,000 jail or prison cells during 1972 and that number rose to between 1.1 and 1.25 million by

1991.

Over the past several decades crime and the severity of addiction for those who are

chemically dependent have slowly evolved. During the 1950’s prescription pain medicine and

alcohol were the two most commonly abused substances. Most addicts were able to support their

addiction by “conning” doctors or stealing the physician’s prescription pad. Laws governing the

distribution of opiates and alcohol were much less restrictive and for the most part addicts were

able to meet their needs by committing less violent petty crimes. During the 1960”s a trend

towards drug related crimes involving violence began. A younger generation of addicts emerged

that had been taught more violent and manipulative ways to avoid being arrested for their crimes.

An increase in the number of chemically dependent individuals along with stricter drug and

alcohol regulations is believed to be the cause of the increase in...