Addiction& Criminal Behaviour
Addiction and criminal behaviour are two interconnected
phenomena that have gathered significant attention in both research and public
address. Addiction, whether in shape of substance or behavioral, has
far-reaching consequences often leading to criminal activities. The link
between addiction and criminal behavior is complex involving various factors
such as genetic tendencies, environmental influences, and socioeconomic
disparities.
Studying the relationship between addiction and criminal behavior is very important for several reasons. When people become addicted to substances or behaviors, it can often lead them to engage in illegal activities. They might commit crimes like stealing or selling drugs to support their addiction. Understanding this connection helps us understand why people who are addicted to something often end up in trouble with the law. By studying this relationship, we can find better ways to prevent addiction and reduce criminal behavior. We can also develop effective treatment programs to help people overcome their addictions and avoid getting involved in criminal activities.
In this article, we will dig into the details of addiction and criminal behavior and explore the relationship between the two. We will also examine few case studies to reach to some conclusion.
Addiction is complex, chronic and relapsing condition
characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli (such as drugs,
alcohol, or certain behaviors) despite knowing and experiencing negative
consequences. It involves a loss of control over one's actions and a strong
desire or craving for the substance or behavior.
Addiction can affect the brain,
behavior, and overall well-being of individuals.
The cycle of addiction typically
involves the following stages:
1) Experimentation:
This is the first stage when an
individual is attracted towards some substance or behaviour just because of
curiously in, convinced or influenced by someone. By that time the individual
is fully aware of bad effects and consequences but agrees himself for taste,
smell or trial. This stage may involve trying drugs, alcohol, or engaging in
activities like gambling or sexual activity.,.
Once the individual tastes substance
or goes through particular behavioral activity, the guy irrespective of gender
or age feels unique pleasure, different feelings and some physical change. This
is the decisive moment whether to resist from next process or otherwise.
Majority of the individuals repeat the process for the feeling with the
thinking that they could control and would remain in limits. With repeated use, individual gets used
to pleasure, relief, feels like getting rid of a particular state of mind or
thoughts or escape from some situation.
Regular use leads to the development of tolerance., eve the desired
effect.
This stage comes on continuous use of substance or particular behaviour activity. The individual is unable to get first time pleasure or feeling. Then frustration starts and individual increases usage of substance or gets involve mor frequently in behaviour activity.
4) Dependency:
This stage is normally seen when
substance is either reduced, tried to be discontinued as part of medication,
some therapy or trial by individual itself.
By that time, Tolerance level have already increased, the brain and body
have become familiar, comfortable and habitual to the substance or behavior.
The individual experiences cravings and feels uncomfortable. So individual
strives for the substance or behavior to either feel like normal or function
properly.
At this stage, individuals forget
negative consequences even loved ones and go for the repeated cycles. The
addictive behavior becomes a priority, leading to neglection of basic and social
responsibilities, relationships, and personal well-being. This is the crucial
stage when it becomes difficult rather impossible to even decrease quantity of
substance or frequency of behaviour activity.
The particular symptoms in addictive
individual are seen when the substance or behaviour activity is reduced or
tried to be cut off. These symptoms can be physical, psychological, or
both. The intensity could vary from one
addictive to another depending upon the type and quantity of addiction. Those
symptoms can be intense and can either r push individual to reusage of
addictive material or towards some criminal behaviour.
This is a common stage in life of
addictive individuals. The individuals after quitting from usage of substance
or behaviour activity return back to the network of which they had been member.
This stage is called Relapse. The gap
between Quitting and Relapse varies and can occur due to various triggers, such
as stress, environmental cues, or emotional factors. This stage cannot be
termed as failure but rather highlights the chronic nature of addiction.
There can be of various types. Here we will name some common
ones in two categories.
Substance Addiction:
In this type of addiction some substance is used for getting
pleasure to which individuals become addicted. The substance may include items such as alcohol, tobacco, prescription
medications, food items, illegal drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin, nicotine)
Behaviour Addiction:
In this type of addiction, no substance is consumed rather
individuals get engaged in some behaviour activities and then are unable to get
rid of that. The specific behaviour generally includes gambling, internet
usage, shopping, work addiction or sexual activities (excessive pornography
consumption, multiple sexual partners, or engaging in risky sexual activities)
Relation of Criminal Activity with Addiction:
The stage of criminal tendency is not essential in all
addiction cases but has been noticed a number of cases. Researchers have also
highlighted a strong relationship between substance addiction and criminal
behaviour. It is worth mentioning here
that criminal behaviour does not start only because of addiction rather there
can be number of reasons for that. Here we will restrict ourselves to the
factors which encourage criminal behaviour in individual because of the
addiction habits.
a) Genetics:
Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of
both substance addiction and behavioral addiction. While the exact genetic
mechanisms underlying addiction are complex and not fully understood, research
suggests that multiple genes are involved, each contributing a small part to an
individual's susceptibility to addiction. Here are some key points to
understand the genetic factors involved in addiction:
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in the brain's reward
system, and it plays a crucial role in addiction. Genetic variations in genes
that regulate dopamine receptors, transporters, and other components of the
dopamine system can affect the brain's response to substances or rewarding
behaviors. For example, the DRD2 gene, which encodes dopamine receptors, has
been associated with a higher risk of substance addiction.
Serotonin is another neurotransmitter involved in mood
regulation and impulse control. Genetic variations in genes related to
serotonin receptors or transporters have been linked to an increased risk of
addictive behaviors. These genes can influence an individual's vulnerability to
impulse control disorders and addictive tendencies.
Genetic factors can also influence how the body metabolizes
drugs or substances. Variations in genes responsible for metabolizing
substances, such as enzymes like cytochrome P450, can affect how quickly or
efficiently drugs are processed in the body. These variations can impact an
individual's sensitivity to the effects of substances and their risk of
addiction.
Genetic factors can affect the brain's reward and
reinforcement pathways, which are involved in addiction. Genes related to the
production and regulation of endorphins, which are natural opioids in the
brain, can influence an individual's susceptibility to both substance and
behavioral addictions.
As addiction grows, individuals may have a strong need for
more quantity of substance or frequent behaviour with which they were addicted
to. To fulfil the desire the individuals, opt for illegal activities like fraud,
theft or harassment.
Addictive individuals spend a lot of money in acquiring the
substance or to engage themselves in specific behavioral activity resulting to
financial strains, debts unable to maintain quality of life or even job loss.
Thus, some addictive individuals proceed towards criminal activities.
d) Impaired Decision-Making: Prolonged addiction habits can lead individuals to engage in risky and
illegal behaviors that they would not have considered in a sober state.
e) Association with Criminal Networks:
It is likelihood that in order to fulfil their addictive
needs and desires, individuals develop relationships with producers,
distributors, suppliers or sellers of addictive substance. This association
becomes another illegal offense.
Addiction is often associated with co-occurring mental health
disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder, or
impulse control disorders. These disorders can be influenced by genetic factors
and are also linked to an increased risk of criminal behaviors. The interplay
between genetic predispositions for both addiction and certain mental health
disorders can contribute to the co-occurrence of addiction and criminal activities.
Addiction can lead to a deterioration of social
relationships, loss of employment, and overall instability in an individual's
life. As addicted individuals struggle to cope with the consequences of their
addiction, they may become desperate to fulfill their cravings. This
desperation, coupled with a lack of support or resources, can push them towards
engaging in criminal activities as a means to survive or obtain drugs or other
addictive substances.
Research Studies:
1) National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) - "Drugs and
Crime: Drug Addiction Sends Many Substance Abusers to Prison":
This study, conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse
(NIDA), examined the prevalence of drug addiction among individuals involved in
the criminal justice system. It found that a significant portion of individuals
in prison or on probation had a history of substance abuse or addiction. The
study highlighted the connection between drug addiction and criminal behavior,
emphasizing that substance abuse can lead to illegal activities and contribute
to the cycle of incarceration.
2) Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brå) - "Addicts and Crime: A Review of the Literature":
This research study, conducted by the Swedish National Council
for Crime Prevention (Brå), reviewed existing literature on the relationship
between addiction and criminal behavior. It examined various factors that
contribute to criminal activities among individuals with addiction, such as
impaired judgment, financial motivation, social relationships, and mental
health disorders. The study concluded that addiction significantly increases
the risk of criminal involvement and suggested the need for targeted
interventions addressing both addiction and criminal behavior.
Reference: Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention (Brå). (2002). Addicts and Crime: A Review of the Literature. Retrieved from https://www.bra.se/download/18.cba82f7130f475a2f1800012697/1374158388854/2002_1.pdf
Case Studies :
Famous Case Study of Case Study: Richard Farley
Background:
Richard Farley was an employee at the ESL Incorporated, a
defense contractor in California, in the 1980s. Farley had a history of
alcoholism and struggled with addiction to alcohol and prescription
medications.
Criminal Activity:
Driven by a combination of financial desperation and his
addiction, Farley devised a plan to seek revenge against his former colleagues
whom he believed had wronged him. On July 1, 1988, Farley entered the ESL
building armed with several firearms and explosives. He went on a shooting
spree, killing seven people and injuring four others. The incident became one
of the deadliest workplace shootings in U.S. history.
Addiction's Role:
Richard Farley's addiction to alcohol and prescription medications
played a significant role in the tragedy. His addiction had led to the
deterioration of his personal and professional life. Farley had been fired from
his job at ESL due to his disruptive behavior resulting from his addiction. The
financial strain caused by his addiction and unemployment likely contributed to
his feelings of desperation and revenge.
Psychological Factors:
In addition to addiction, Richard Farley also struggled with
underlying mental health issues, including depression and paranoia. These
conditions further exacerbated his feelings of resentment and hostility towards
his former colleagues, ultimately contributing to his decision to engage in the
criminal act.
Aftermath:
Richard Farley was arrested at the scene and later sentenced to
life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The case of Richard Farley
serves as a tragic example of how addiction, combined with underlying
psychological issues and a sense of desperation, can drive an individual to
commit violent and criminal acts.:
Case Study: Richard Farley
Background:
Richard Farley was an employee at the ESL Incorporated, a
defense contractor in California, in the 1980s. Farley had a history of
alcoholism and struggled with addiction to alcohol and prescription medications.
Criminal Activity:
Driven by a combination of financial desperation and his
addiction, Farley devised a plan to seek revenge against his former colleagues
whom he believed had wronged him. On July 1, 1988, Farley entered the ESL
building armed with several firearms and explosives. He went on a shooting
spree, killing seven people and injuring four others. The incident became one
of the deadliest workplace shootings in U.S. history.
Addiction's Role:
Richard Farley's addiction to alcohol and prescription
medications played a significant role in the tragedy. His addiction had led to
the deterioration of his personal and professional life. Farley had been fired
from his job at ESL due to his disruptive behavior resulting from his
addiction. The financial strain caused by his addiction and unemployment likely
contributed to his feelings of desperation and revenge.
Psychological Factors:
In addition to addiction, Richard Farley also struggled with
underlying mental health issues, including depression and paranoia. These
conditions further exacerbated his feelings of resentment and hostility towards
his former colleagues, ultimately contributing to his decision to engage in the
criminal act.
Aftermath:
Richard Farley was arrested at the scene and later sentenced
to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The case of Richard
Farley serves as a tragic example of how addiction, combined with underlying
psychological issues and a sense of desperation, can drive an individual to
commit violent and criminal acts.
2) Case Study: Aileen Wuornos is famous case study of a female who got engaged in criminal activity because of addiction.
Aileen Wuornos was an American woman who became notorious as
a serial killer in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She had a troubled
background, including a history of sexual abuse and engaging in survival sex
work. Wuornos also struggled with substance abuse, primarily alcohol and drugs.
Criminal Activity:
Wuornos was convicted of murdering seven men between 1989 and
1990. She targeted individuals who solicited her for sex work, claiming that
she killed them in self-defense. Wuornos' crimes gained widespread media
attention, and her case became highly controversial due to her gender and the
circumstances surrounding her actions.
Addiction's Role:
Wuornos' addiction to alcohol and drugs played a significant
role in her criminal behavior. Substance abuse often contributed to her
feelings of anger, paranoia, and aggression, which may have influenced her
violent responses to perceived threats or dangers. It is believed that her
addiction intensified her already troubled mindset and impaired her judgment,
leading her down a path of criminal activity.
Psychological Factors:
In addition to her addiction, Aileen Wuornos struggled with
various mental health issues, including borderline personality disorder and
antisocial personality disorder. These conditions likely contributed to her
unstable emotions, difficulty forming stable relationships, and an inclination
toward impulsive and violent behavior.
Legal Proceedings:
Aileen Wuornos was arrested in 1991 and subsequently went
through a series of trials. She was convicted of multiple murders and received
the death penalty. Throughout her legal proceedings, her troubled past,
including her history of abuse and addiction, were explored as contributing
factors to her criminal actions.
In conclusion, addiction and criminal behavior are complex issues that require a multidimensional approach. By addressing the underlying factors, providing support, and offering effective treatment, we can help individuals overcome addiction, reduce criminal behavior, and create healthier and safer communities.
