The Relationship between Drug Use and Violent Crimes among Male Offenders

• Main Authors: Hui-tzu Peng, 彭惠慈
• Other Authors: none
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/47857193963084445353

碩士 === 國立中正大學 === 犯罪防治所 === 98 === Drug use is an issue to which should be paid attention. However, only a few studies were conducted with regard to the relationship between drug use and violent crimes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between drug use and violent crimes. Using random sampling, the author collected 236 drug users and 264 violent offenders in Taichung Prison in Taiwan. Correlation analysis and log-linear regression were used, demonstrating that drug use was highly correlated with violent crimes (r=.784), and that low self-control, attachment of the individual to the family, deviant habitual behavior, deviant peers, jointly accounted for the relationship between drug use and violent crimes. “Characteristics of the individual” and “deviant peers” mainly predicted drug use of the individual. “Deviant habitual behavior” and “deviant peers” predicted violent crimes. Furthermore, drug use and violent crimes were significantly predicted by deviant peers by log-linear regression, even by different regression models. As a result, “deviant peers” was a critical factor that prompted individuals to have deviant behaviors. Based on these findings, suggestions for the prevention strategies are discussed. Keywords: drug use, violent crimes