Summary Thoughts About Drugs and Violence (From Drugs and Violence: Causes, Correlates, and Consequences, P 265-275, 1990, Mario De La Rosa, Elizabeth Y Lambert, Bernard Gropper, eds. -- See NCJ-128781)

• NCJ Number: 128794
• Author(s): J J Collins
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services; Superintendent of Documents
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This analysis of the relationship between drugs and violence argues that Goldstein's tripartite model should be revised into a more comprehensive conceptual model that includes a variety of other risk factors.

Abstract

In 1985 Goldstein proposed three ways that drugs and violence can be linked: 1) the pharmacological effects of the drug on the user can induce violent behavior; 2) drug users often commit economic compulsive violent crime to support continued drug use; and 3) violence is a common feature of the drug distribution system. This model helped refine thinking on the issue of drugs and violence. However, public rhetoric has often incorrectly described the problem and led to misguided policies and resource commitments. Therefore, a broad model is needed that incorporates multiple factors, including social, economic, and cultural variables. Such a model would include risk factors such as early childhood injuries, abuse, or neglect; socialization experiences; lack of economic opportunity; community disorganization; and physical reactions to specific types of drugs. Figure and 28 references