Rosie Perez Composition 13 Dec. 2001 Drugs, Alcohol, Crime It is difficult to know which comes first: drug and alcohol abuse or violent crime. Becoming the perpetrator or victim of a violent crime goes hand in hand with drug abuse. People who use drugs are more likely to perpetrate violence as well as become victims of violence throughout their lives. Crime is undoubtedly related to alcohol and other drug use. There are many factors that could cause people to use and abuse drugs and alcohol. For example, people under a lot of stress decide to use illicit drugs or alcohol and ultimately find themselves addicted. Also, they could just be using them for recreational purposes and develop addiction. In any case, these habits become expensive, and by the time they know it, they have lost everything of value and importance in their lives. The fact that a person's judgement is impaired and violence is induced by alcohol and drugs makes it more pobable for crime to take place. When abusers need money to support their habit, they usually obtain funds by any means necessary. Sometimes they go as far as robbing from their own families and friends. Alcohol and other drug abuse precedes violence when users find themselves in this predicament. People become substance abusers to escape the pressures of life, and in some cases, the drug abuse is a result of being a victim or witness to violence. Some people try drugs initially to fit in with their peers, and due to this, more and more become users each year. It does not matter where you come from or who you are: the possibility of committing crime is the same for everyone when they abuse drugs and alcohol. Whether for depression, fun, escape, or because a person is addicted, drug use is a danger to addicts and their potential victims. The effects of this are more arrests and violent crime being committed. Family members of the abusers are usually the first targets, and friends are next in line. A majority of the rapes, assaults, robberies and murders happen because the perpetrator, the victim, or both, are on drugs. A lot of the time, these individuals already have a history of aggressive behavior or exhibit violent tendencies. Drugs and alcohol only make it easier to commit crimes and acts of violence. In short, drug and alcohol abuse is associated with about one-third of all the arrests in this country and should be taken into closer consideration. |