Violent Offending Among Drug Users: Examining Substance Use and Predispositional Correlates

Introduction

Violence is a significant drug-related harm with substantial costs to the individual and society. Studies have identified that between 60% and 90% of illicit drug users have committed a non-fatal violent offence, which is highly concerning. To date, however, the mechanisms which give rise to and sustain offending behaviour, particularly at an individual level, remain unclear as the bulk of theoretical conceptualisation has relied on a ‘substance use leads to violence’ approach. The current research examines potential predispositional correlates of violent offending (i.e. mental disorder, personality traits) among a sample of regular illicit drug users. A better understanding of the correlates of violent offending has important preventative implications.  

Method

Cross-sectional study of 300 regular polysubstance users recruited from Sydney, Australia through Needle and Syringe Programs.  Participants were administered a 30 minute face-to-face quantitative questionnaire which addressed demographics, substance use histories, violent offending and victimisation histories, psychopathology, and personality traits (impulsivity and aggression).

Results

Violent offending was prevalent among the sample with 76% having ever committed a violent offence, and 45% having done so in the past 12 months. Bivariate analyses found that drug users who had committed violence had, on average, experienced earlier initiation into alcohol and other drug use, higher rates of polysubstance use, riskier drinking patterns, a higher prevalence of mental disorder, highly impulsive and aggressive personalities, and more extensive victimisation histories than those who had not. Multivariate analyses confirmed that whilst drug use factors did independently contribute a small amount to lifetime risk of violent offending, it was personality traits and childhood conduct disorder were the primary factors independently associated with violent offending.

Conclusion

Despite high exposure to risks associated with a dependent drug use lifestyle, there are a myriad of factors which give rise to violent behaviour, thus putting into question the precise nature of the association between substance use and violence. It seems feasible to say, however, that drug users are not a homogenous group at equal risk of violence. Instead, violent offending needs to be examined at several levels of explanation, accounting for personality and psychopathologic effects on one hand, and the moderating effects of broader drug market forces on the other. The findings make a strong case for early intervention in children displaying conduct behaviours and associated dysfunctional personality traits.