Substance Use and Crime: A Psychological and Sociological Perspective

Substance use affects vital functions, causing changes in the brain and disrupting the communication system of nerve cells, leading to problems in receiving, processing, and sending information (Kleiman, Coulkins, & Hawken, 2011; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2008). Today, substance addiction has become a significant problem not only in our country but globally. Especially in the 17–25 age group, addiction rates are steadily increasing. The 12–17 age range has been identified as the most dangerous period.

Several factors influence substance addiction. Age, gender, personality, school success, family, smoking and alcohol use, accessibility, and peer influence are among these factors. Substance use leads to both physical and psychological addiction in individuals. Substances like opioids, cannabinoids, cocaine, amphetamines, and over-the-counter drugs affect the central nervous system, triggering the addiction process (Gökler & Koçak, 2008). This situation causes negative changes in an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, leading to social and economic problems. The prohibition of substance use and sales by law in many countries is based on these negative effects.

The relationship between substance use and homicide is shaped not only by individuals’ psychological structures but also by social dynamics. The increase in substance addiction and related crime rates necessitates multifaceted interventions and prevention strategies. This article aims to offer solutions by addressing both individual and social prevention methods.

Psychological Effects of Substance Use

• Addiction and Psychiatric Disorders: Psychological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety, which are associated with addiction, increase the likelihood of an individual harming their environment (Cüceler, Yılmaz, & Türkleş, 2022). Especially individuals with borderline personality disorder have a higher risk of exhibiting aggressive behavior under the influence of substances.

• Neurological Effects and Impulsivity: The effects of drugs on the frontal lobe of the brain significantly reduce individuals’ ability to control their impulses. This can trigger behaviors that lead to severe consequences, such as aggression and homicide.

• Psychological Treatment Methods: Psychotherapy and rehabilitation play a crucial role in breaking individuals’ addiction cycle. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals reduce their criminal tendencies while better integrating into social life.

Substance Use and Crime Relationship

• Crimes Committed Under the Influence of Substances: In a large portion of homicide cases, it has been observed that the perpetrators were under the influence of substances. Alcohol and stimulants increasing impulsivity can lead to violent crimes (Karakartal, 2020).

• Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking: Homicide rates related to drug trafficking are particularly high among organized crime gangs. This situation poses a serious threat to social security.

Addiction Prevention Programs

A range of individual-focused, social, and national programs and strategies are implemented to prevent addiction:

• Education-Based Prevention Programs:

  • Educational programs implemented in schools raise awareness among young people about substance addiction.

  • Peer support groups and guidance services are powerful tools to prevent substance use at an early age.

• Public Health Campaigns:

  • Awareness campaigns organized using mass media are an effective method to communicate the harms of addiction to society.

• Community-Centered Approaches:

  • Rehabilitation and social support projects for individuals at risk of substance addiction aim to reintegrate individuals into society.

  • Employment and social adaptation projects developed for at-risk groups can be effective in preventing substance addiction.

• Policies and Legal Regulations:

  • Stricter legal regulations are needed to make access to drugs more difficult and prevent illegal trade.

  • Public policies should provide protective measures in the fight against drug addiction.

Sociological Perspective

• Importance of Social Solidarity: Initiatives to strengthen the bonds of families, individuals, and groups in society can have long-term effects in the fight against addiction. Strengthening family support mechanisms, in particular, can protect young individuals from the risk of addiction (Bahar, 2018).

• Job Employment: Individuals are more likely to turn to substances when they do not have a profession or have a stressful career process. To eliminate the risk, social opportunities for school-age children and adolescents should be increased, and job employment should be planned for people of working age.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Community-oriented strategies should be developed to reduce the relationship between addiction and crime. Solutions such as education programs, rehabilitation centers, and legal regulations can be applied together for more effective results. Cooperation with parents should be established in school-age children to keep them away from substance use, and ministry-supported prevention activities should be carried out. Additionally, international collaborations and community-based projects can form a strong defense line against substance addiction.

Efforts should be made to address the stigmatization of substance use, and it should be made easier for users to apply for and receive health services. There should be an increase in psycho-social personnel in prisons, and supportive programs should be added for inmates. Studies should be conducted to both prevent individuals from returning to substance use and to treat the psychiatric disorders that occur.

References

• Bahar, A. (2018). The Reasons of Drug Use and the Role and Importance of Communicational Approaches in Addiction Formation Process: An Empirical Study on Police Records. Connectist: Istanbul University Journal of Communication Sciences(55), 1–36.

• Cüceler, S., Yılmaz, M., & Türkleş, S. (2022). Psychosocial Problems Experienced by Substance Addicts, Implemented Evidence-Based Interventions and the Role of Nursing. Bağımlılık Dergisi, 23(1), 105–110.

• Gökler, R., & Koçak, R. (2008). Drug and Substance Addiction. Sosyal Bilimler Araştırmaları Dergisi, 3(1), 89–104.

• Karakartal, D. (2020). Drug Use and Crime Relationship. Uluslararası Beşeri Bilimler ve Eğitim Dergisi, 6(14), 614–617.

• Kleiman, M. A. R., Coulkins, J. P., & Hawken, A. (2011). Drugs and Drugs Policy: What Everyone Needs to Know. Oxford University Press.

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2008). Understanding Drug Abuse and Addiction.