ABSTRACT
The nature of deviance is complicated by issues of who is committing the behavior, who is observing it, and who has the power to respond to it. Substance abuse refers to the use of psychoactive substances to the point where they are dangerous or mind altering. The increased rate of incarceration is thought to have had little effect on the reduced rates. Deviance is commonly defined as the violation of social norms in attitudes, beliefs, or values. Sociologists differentiate primary deviance, referring to initial rule breaking. Conflict theories of deviance and crime generally rely on two basic themes, reflecting a departure from symbolic interactionist and structural functionalist approaches. Substance abuse refers to the abuse of chemical substances which alter behavior. Victimless crimes are those which present no apparent damage to persons or property although they affect many people, frequently vulnerable segments of the society, and result in heavy financial losses.
