💊🍺 Quick Overview
This chapter covers the link between substance use and crime, understanding addiction, and assessment of substance problems.
🔗 Substance Use and Crime Connection
- Drug-related crimes: Possession, trafficking, supply
- Economic crimes: Theft, robbery to fund addiction
- Violence under influence: Intoxication reduces inhibitions
- Drug market violence: Competition in illegal trade
- High prevalence: Most prisoners have substance problems
🍺 Types of Substances
- Alcohol: MOST commonly linked to violent crime
- Heroin/Opioids: Linked to acquisitive crime
- Cocaine/Crack: Violence and dealing
- Amphetamines: Aggression and psychosis
- Cannabis: Lower violence but still illegal
🧠 Understanding Addiction
Brain disease model: Changes in brain structure and function.
- Tolerance - needing more for same effect
- Dependence - body needs substance to function
- Withdrawal - symptoms without substance
- Loss of control - cannot stop despite consequences
- Chronic and relapsing condition
📋 Assessment Tools
- AUDIT: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (10 questions)
- DAST: Drug Abuse Screening Test
- ASI: Addiction Severity Index (comprehensive)