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Did you know that in 2018, 80% of male youth deaths were alcohol-related? Moreover, drug use was twice the expected global youth norm. The leading choice of substance use among South Africans is alcohol and cannabis.

iER notes that according to research, alcohol and drug use is most common in males over 20. Additionally, there’s a link between alcohol, drug use, and crime fatalities. This article explores the link between alcohol, drugs, and crime. Read on to find out more.

What Drives Substance Abuse?

Experts suggest that some people are more likely to use and depend on substances than others. Many factors contribute to this. For example, someone from an abusive background and with mental health issues may escape reality with substances.

In younger people, peer pressure is a high-risk factor that drives substance abuse. In fact, younger people are wired to try out new experiences despite knowing the risks involved. The need to fit in without self-control can make a person see value in substances even if they’re not part of their interests in the long run.

The main high-risk factors for substance abuse vary, including the following.

•       Poor parental monitoring.
•       History of parental substance abuse.
•       Childhood sexual abuse.
•       Poverty.
•       Mental health issues.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Substance Abuse?

The thing is, the more the use of substances lasts, the more it’s difficult to break the habit. This strains you and creates other related problems like anxiety and depression. This is why you’re likely to show impulsive aggressive behaviour that leads to poor judgment when you rely on substances.

Crime is one of the common risky behaviours associated with substance abuse. Research shows you’re more likely to risk being involved in criminal activities when intoxicated. Moreover, more than 60% of released prisoners are likely to commit violent crimes when they use substances.

Alcohol and Drug-related Crime

The fact is alcohol and drugs lower your ability to make sound judgments of situations. Excessive use of any substances will increase risky and aggressive behaviour. Crime related to substance use has become a significant problem in society and continues to worsen.

Alcohol and drug use are also related to the following.

•       Youth violence.
•       Child abuse.
•       Domestic violence.
•       Sexual assault and violence.
•       Elder abuse.

Most reported cases of domestic violence and rape are influenced by alcohol and drug use. The main concern with crimes related to substance use is that violent crimes are a common factor. According to a report by Movendi International, in 2021/22, substance use-related crimes increased by 20%.

Management and Treatment of Substance Abuse

Effective substance use management involve support services and various programs to address the underlying factors. Getting proper help from a registered facility and trained professionals is essential. The fact of the matter is that managing long-term substance abuse takes longer and requires different approaches.

For instance, treatment facilities must conduct mental health screenings to assess an individual. The following risks are monitored to develop an effective treatment strategy.

•       Risk of suicide.
•       Aggressive behaviours.
•       Violence to others.
•       History of physical or sexual victimisation.
•       How they care for themselves.

While management and treatment are possible, it’s crucial to remember that you can’t force anyone to stop anything. In most cases, it will take more than one attempt to resolve the problem. Patience is essential to find help for yourself or your loved ones.

In summary, there are various reasons why people use alcohol and drugs to cope with life. However, the link between substance abuse and violent crime has become a significant concern. Most violent crimes reported to emergency responders, such as iER, are directly or indirectly linked to substance use.

If you or your loved ones suffer from substance abuse, you must get help immediately. The iER App connects you to over 13 000 emergency service providers. Use it to contact appropriate responders when alcohol and drugs directly or indirectly harm you and your loved ones.