ABSTRACT

America’s drug problem and its relationship to increased criminal activity has been well documented in the literature. The linkage between drugs and violence is manifested in a variety of different ways. Some drug users engage in criminal activities, either violent or nonviolent, for economic gain, while others commit their offenses to acquire money for drugs. Other violent acts occur while the person is under the influence: drugs can affect cognitive ability, mood, and physiological functioning, which may contribute to the type of violent action committed. Additional violent acts may arise out of conflict with or disagreement between drug traffickers.