Citation

Best D, Man LH, Gossop M, Harris J, Sidwell C, Strang J. Addict. Res. Theory 2001; 9(2): 151-164.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.3109/16066350109141746

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The study investigates developmental associations in the relationship between drug use and crime among 100 treatment-seeking opiate addicts. While 56% of the sample report having committed 2,785 acquisitive crimes in the previous month, there are strong developmental patterns. Those who have committed crimes before age 14 have earlier onset of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and cocaine use and a lower first age of heroin problems. This relates to perceptions - those who believe drug use caused crime before the age of 14 have lower age of onset for tobacco and cocaine use and for heroin problems. The developmental patterns suggest strong associations between drug use and crime, but provide no support for a casual model in which drug use leads to crime.

Language: en