Addiction and Crime Creates a Vicious Cycle
It is not unusual for a drug addict to find himself in a cycle of crime and drug use. As individuals throughout the nation – and even the world – develop addictions to painkillers, crimes committed to support the habit continue to increase.
A recent End Prohibition report focused on the issue of such cycles as one third of the 265 patients at Bluewater Health’s Addiction Services reported the use of narcotic analgesics. More than two thirds reported they used alcohol and cannabis.
Law enforcement in the region points to the surge in painkiller use – both legal and illegal – as the primary driver of the recent rise in home break-ins and vehicle thefts. The person with the addiction will turn to crime to fuel their need to get high. Crime is the easiest way to get the cash needed to feed the drug habit.
In some situations, the one dealing with the drug addiction is someone who was once normal and never sought a life of crime. Personalities change when drugs play a part and desperation makes the drug addict do unusual things.
For many, they will be caught by police and some will serve time. When proper treatment is not applied, they will return to their habits once they are free. These individuals will steal anything they believe can produce fast cash, which makes everyone and everything a possible target.
Throughout England, law enforcement and citizen groups are working together to try and turn the tide, educating citizens on what they need to do to protect themselves and their belongings. Until proper treatment is provided to the addictive criminal, however, the cycle will only continue.
