Drug Use, Crime, and Incarceration
The connection between drug use and crime is well known. Drug use is implicated in at least five types of drug-related offenses:
- Offenses related to drug possession or sales
- Offenses directly related to obtaining drugs (e.g., stealing to get money for drugs)
- Offenses related to a lifestyle that includes association with other offenders or with illicit markets
- Offenses related to abusive and violent behaviors, including domestic violence and sexual assault
- Offenses related to driving while intoxicated or under the influence, which can include property damage, accidents, injuries, and fatalities.