Exploring the link between substance use and crime : taking a professional’s perspective

Abstract

This dissertation focused on exploring the potential link between crime and substance use in the Maltese context. It aimed to develop a better understanding of the association between the two behaviours and to explore treatment practices that work with substance users and offenders. A qualitative approach was adopted and semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine professionals working in the criminal justice and the substance abuse treatment field. Findings from this study demonstrate an association between substance use and crime. In consistency with Goldstein’s (1985) economic model and the psychopharmacological model respectively, crime was found to be largely committed as a means to fund one’s substance use habit and as a result of the psychopharmacological effects, especially when stimulants and alcohol are involved. Similarly, polydrug use was associated with higher incidences of criminality. The findings indicate substantial differences across gender and age groups in terms of both substance use and offending behaviour. Childhood trauma and familial factors were identified as two common risk factors that lead to both substance use and criminality. Drawing from these explanations, motivational interviewing and multidisciplinary approaches emerged as good practices in the treatment of this population, while conversely, reference was made to the challenges that can hinder positive treatment. Such challenges included lack of cooperation from service users and the length of court proceedings.