Substance Abuse and Economic Crime

1. Substance Abuse and Economic Crime Criminology 2330

2. “I’m always trying to escape from the reality of my life” Nick, Cocaine addicted client, 2014

3. Substance Abuse & Crime Quotes Drugs, speed made me crazy. You live in an unreal space. I was quite psychotic when I did my armed robbery Drugs are my courage and I think I can do anything, so I do crime It made me feel good and happy, but my decisions between right and wrong were cloudy

4. Substance abuse • Drug trafficking • Organized crime • White Collar crime • Theft • Fraud • Prostitution • Pimps

5. Is it OK to take from others? • Is it OK to use “the system” to fund your needs? • Is it Ok to commit economic crime if you can’t ever make that amount of money alone? • If you are drunk, stoned or intoxicated, is it your fault?

6. Having money creates God-like feelings of power and success • What happens when you can’t do that through legal means?

7. Link Between Substances and Crime Substance abuse primary cause and contributor to crime for both men and women residing in jail in many studies Over half offenders have substance abuse dependence At least 50% of violent offences involve alcohol use 1/3 offenders receive treatment for drug offences Substance abuse treatment programs big push in both provincial and federal systems

8. Women and Drugs Women metabolize alcohol and other psychoactive substances more slowly than men, allowing harmful metabolites to remain longer in their bodies 2/3 of women with substance misuse problems may have concurrent mental health problem, such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and or eating disorder Large proportion women with substance use problems are victims of domestic violence, incest, rape, sexual assault and child physical abuse

9. Research on drugs and crime More are incarcerated for drug offences than for any other contributing to an increasing prison population. Offenders often under the influence of drugs when they committed their offences. Commit property crime to support their habits. Trafficking often engenders violent crime.

10. Theories of Addiction Disease Model Assumes that certain individuals have particular disposition Adaptive Model Individuals become addicted in attempting to adapt to the circumstances in their lives.

11. Arguments for and against causality Alcohol is neither necessary or sufficient cause of violence Alcohol is not the primary determinant Alcohol’s influence on violence is not uniform Alcohol contributes to violence in some people under certain circumstances Alcohol appears to act synergistically with hostile motivations

12. Terminology Drug versus Substance Legal versus illegal Addiction Substance Dependence Biological versus Psychological Dependence

13. Violence can occur in various phases of drug use including acute intoxication, drug-seeking behavior associated with withdrawal, and episodes of drug-induced psychosis and paranoia associated most often with stimulant use.

14. Neurotransmitters & Hormones • Amphetamines release norepinephrine, dopamine & serotonin • Cocaine & amphetamines release excess amounts of dopamine followed by state of depletion • High testosterone + low acute doses of alcohol = aggressive behavior • High levels of alcohol typically reduces aggression (some still violent after high doses)

15. Brain on Drugs • Neurotransmitters: • Dopamine - too much triggers bizarre thoughts of schizophrenia; too little implicated in Parkinson’s disease • Serotonin - decreased levels linked to depression, anxiety, aggression (assoc w/ alcohol) • Those prone to alcoholism are usually anxiety ridden • Enjoy calming effects of alcohol • Substance abuse runs in family - heredity • Alcohol - women experience more & earlier brain damage than men who drink comparable amount

16. Types of Violence • Pharmacological violence - violence perpetrated under influence of substances • alcohol, PCP, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates • Systemic violence - aggressive patterns of interaction w/in system of drug distribution & use • murders over drug turf & violence by drug distributors in course of territorial disputes, retribution for selling bad drugs, enforcing rules w/in drug-dealing organization, fighting among users • Economic compulsive behavior - acquisition of drugs • generate money to support addiction • Heroin & cocaine b/c of expense • Overlap b/w 3 types of violence often occurs

17. Major Categories of Psychoactive Drugs 1) Hallucinogens – create an altered state of mind (LSD, Ecstasy, PCP – angel dust), marijuana, hashish 2) Stimulants - “stimulate” the central nervous system functions (caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines – ‘uppers’ (crystal meth) * addictive 3) opiate narcotics – heroin * addictive 4) sedative-hypnotics or depressants. • Tolerance: progressively decreased responsiveness to a drug • Dependence (physical and/or psychological): withdrawal and intense “desire” for drug, delirium tremors

18. Types of Substances Central Nervous Depressants • Alcohol • Cannabis • Sedative/hypnotics/anxiolytics • Opioid analgesics • Inhalants (ie. glue/gasoline)

19. Opiate Narcotic Drugs • Opium or poppy plant • have sedative (sleep-inducing) & analgesic (pain-relieving) effects; CNS system depressant. • Natural narcotics (grown opium) • Semisynthetic narcotics (chemically prepared heroin) • Synthetic narcotics (methadone) • Highly addictive (a relentless and strong craving)

20. Narcotics: Heroin & Crime • Research: criminal activity increases during periods of heavy drug consumption but heroin? • Notion of “desperate junkie” looking for a fix; assumed “bizarre & unpredictable” • heroin induces sleepiness rather than psychotic or paranoid panic states sometimes produced by high doses of amphetamines • Narcotic addicts generally not violent but, connection b/w heroin & money-making crime (theft, robberies, shoplifting, etc)

21. Inhalants • Many products that can be abused by sniffing or “huffing” an intoxicating effect (i.e., cleaning solution, gasoline, glue, etc). • Effects: similar to alcohol • including slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, distortion of perceptions, headache, vomiting, & nausea • Not considered a “gate way” drug • Real problem is side effects (kidney, liver, & heart failure)

22. Psychological Effects of Alcohol Drinking more than 5 drinks per occasion increases likelihood that person will be involved in violence • (either as perpetrator or victim) • Acute intoxication leads to disinhibited behavior & can lead to aggression in people already prone to violence • Effects are complex: • Low doses (2-4 ounces) seems to act as a stimulant (euphoria, social and physical warmth) • In moderate/high quantities, alcohol depresses the CNS (concentration impaired, self-confidence increases, becoming more daring)

23. Sedative-Hypnotics: The Depressants • Alcohol, “club-drugs,” are sedative-hypnotic chemicals that depress CNS functions (sedate nervous system, reduce anxiety and tension) • GHB & Rohypnol – date rape drug (mentally & physically incapacitate the victim) • tasteless, odourless, & mixes easily w/ alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks • powerful & fast-acting pleasure enhancer that produces a state of intoxication • Unpredictable side effects (nausea, drowsiness, delusions, depression, loss of consciousness, slowed heart rate, etc.) • Benzodiazepines – diazepam (Valium), serax, librium, clonazepam • Prescription & often prescribed as anti-anxiety tranquilizers or to treat muscle spasms or convulsions

24. Types of Substances Central Nervous Stimulants • Amphetamines • Caffeine • Cocaine • Nicotine • Ecstasy (mixed stimulant/hallucinogen)

25. Stimulants and Crime Speed users may engage in aggressive or violent behaviour (often predisposed to behave violently before using the drug). Cocaine – expensive; drug trade. Crack – often polydrug users. More likely to steal. Research suggests that crack use does not appear to cause violent behaviour in normally nonviolent people. Besides trafficking, no direct connection between MDMA and crime (serious physical and neurological damage if used frequently and with other drugs).

26. Amphetamines • Increased alertness & decrease in appetite, feel impact quickly & last for hours (upwards of 12) • High dose can cause anxiety, insomnia, irritability, violent behaviour & symptoms of psychosis (hallucinations, delusions, paranoia) • After “speed run”, person often feels depressed

27. Cocaine & Crack • Cocaine: expensive & natural “organic” substance; cannot be produced synthetically • Crack: cheaper; “freebasing” cocaine • How do you make crack? • Dissolve cocaine hydrochloride in water, then add a base such as ammonia or baking soda

28. Crack • Crack creates a very rapid, intense state of euphoria, which peaks in ~ 5 minutes • Physiological and psychological effects as powerful as cocaine • Euphoria short & replaced by depression, irritability & intense craving for more

29. Role of Dopamine • Dopamine affects a region of brain that controls pleasure • All stimulants release some dopamine but crystal meth releases much larger amounts: • Cocaine releases 400% more dopamine • Crystal meth releases almost 1500% more dopamine “If cocaine can be thought of as a conventional weapon, crystal meth is like a nuclear weapon”

30. 1500 1000 500 0 METHAMPHETAMINE % of Basal Release 0 1 2 3hr Time After Methamphetamine COCAINE 500 400 300 % of Basal Release 200 100 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 hr Time After Cocaine Dopamine Neurotransmission (Courtesy NIDA) frontal cortex nucleus accumbens VTA/SN

31. Stimulants & Crime • Speed users may engage in aggressive or violent behaviour (often predisposed to behave violently before using the drug) • Cocaine – expensive; drug trade; can be violent • Crack – often polydrug users. More likely to steal • Research suggests that crack use does not appear to cause violent behaviour in normally non-violent people

32. MDMA (ecstasy) • Synthetic drug: a stimulant with some psychedelic effects (lasts 4 to 6 hours). • Psychological effects includes confusion, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, drug craving, muscle tension, involuntary clenching of the teeth, and paranoia. • “Energy rush” that encourages users to stay physically active. • Besides trafficking, no direct connection between MDMA and crime (serious physical and neurological damage if used frequently and with other drugs).

33. Types of Substances • Hallucinogens • LSD • Mescaline • PCP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDBofgWP5fM

34. Alcohol By far the most common cause of substance related disorders in Canada 50% of all fatal MVAs involve alcohol 25% of all suicides involve alcohol Nearly 50% of homicides involve of alcohol Intoxication can lead to blackouts/trauma/tolerance/psychiatric symptoms

35. Violence Persons consuming large amounts of alcohol were at greater risk for violence than those consuming smaller amounts. The amount of alcohol consumed tends to be larger in more serious offenses; The connection between drinking and violence is stronger where the relationship between the perpetrator and victim is closer, and Violence includes aggravated assault, rape, and robbery.

36. Alcohol & Crime “Catalyst” for crime”; 1 in 3 arrests in US results from alcohol abuse. Overall, ~1/3 of all violent offenders were drinking at the time of offense, and many were highly intoxicated. ~50% of homicide victims were found to have high blood alcohol content. Research: drinking at time of the offense 86% of homicide offenders 60% of sexual offenders 37% of assault offenders 57% of marital violence 13% of child abusers.

37. Does alcohol causes violence? Most likely, influence, individuals prone to be aggressive, violent, and antisocial are more likely to be so (when intoxicated). Alcohol may facilitate aggressive tendencies. • “In both animals and human studies, alcohol more than any other drug, has been linked with a high incidence of violence and aggression.”

38. Alcohol & Crime Relationship between heavy drinking of alcohol and aggression/violence is well supported. Explanations: Disinhibitory Models: alcohol influences neurological or psychological mechanisms that normally control aggressive and antisocial behavior. Disease Model: chronic drinking is a disease reflected in an individual’s inability to control drinking (disease existed before the first drink was taken).

39. Alcohol & Crime Disinhibitory and disease viewpoints focus on internal influences or predispositions. By contrast, social-cognitive models emphasize interactions between belief systems or expectancies, and the social environment. Addictions are learned and situationally determined. One cannot help oneself is a cognitive expectancy. Expectancy becomes the crucial factor.

40. Alcohol and Crime Of all drugs, alcohol shows to strongest relationship with violent offenses. Alcohol appears to impair or disrupt the brain operations responsible for self-control. Impairs information processing: misjudging social cues and overreactions to a perceived threat. Joint function of pharmacological effects, cognitive expectancies, and situational influences.

41. Alcohol • Despite the “cry” over drugs particularly methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, & marijuana… • Alcohol is the #1 drug of abuse • Responsible for more deaths & violence (3rd major cause of death in US) than all other drugs combined

42. War On Drugs? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91y9KqvVggY

43. Relationship b/w Drugs & Crime • Relationship between crime & drugs is complex, involving interactions among pharmacological, social & psychological variables • Unlikely drugs “cause” crime but rather ‘precipitate’ • Certain drugs allow some to disengage from usual constraints against antisocial conduct, including violence • Chronic, persistent criminals are often polydrug users

44. Types of Substance Abusing Offenders Early Stage Substance Abusers are experimental and recreational substance abusers whose crimes result from impaired judgment or disinhibition while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol Addicts are those for whom daily life is dedicated to drug-seeking behavior. Petty crime has become their primary means to support their addiction. Serious or violent crime is less prevalent in this group than in the criminogenic substance abuser

45. Types of Substance Abusing Offenders The mentally ill substance abuser has a concurrent mental illness and substance abuse problem (dually diagnosed) Criminogenic substance abusers are those who do not wish to be part of “mainstream” society. Their substance abuse is incidental to their criminal behavior

46. Who is At-Risk for Addiction? Etiology of addiction is multifactorial (bio-psychosocial) Variables correlated w/ increased risk of addiction: • Psychological vulnerability (prior history of problems w/ other drugs or prior treatment) • Family hx of addiction • History of trauma

47. Economic Crimes • Drug trafficking • Organized crime • White Collar crime • Theft • Fraud • Prostitution (new laws to be tabled – bill C-36) • Pimps