Pubdate: Wed, 01 May 2002
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyitoronto.com/torsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Chris Morris / Canadian Press

BOOZE, DRUGS FUEL CRIMINALS

CHARLOTTETOWN -- A national study on substance abuse and crime has 
confirmed what many have long suspected: Booze and drugs fuel criminal 
activity.

Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay released the results yesterday of a 
three-year study into the cause and effect of substance abuse on Canadian 
crime rates. The study found alcohol is more often associated with violent 
crimes such as murder and assault, while illegal drugs are more often 
linked to break-ins and robberies.

"This report tells us two main things," MacAulay said. "It tells us that 
drugs and alcohol cause crime -- they aren't just related -- and the cost 
of this abuse on Canadians is high."

The study, conducted by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, is based on 
interviews with about 10,000 male and female prisoners in provincial and 
federal institutions.

Most offenders (54%) told researchers they were under the influence of 
either alcohol or drugs when they committed their most serious crimes.

Michel Perron, head of the Ottawa-based substance abuse centre, said the 
study establishes a clear, causal link between drinking too much, using 
illegal drugs and breaking the law.

"It confirms for many people in the field of addictions what we've known 
all along: That the nexus between alcohol, drugs and crime is very strong. 
This is a huge factor contributing to crime in Canada."

He said 40% to 50% of all crimes examined in the study, ranging from murder 
to shoplifting, can be attributed to either drugs or alcohol.

He added 10% to 15% of crimes are linked to illicit drugs; 15% to 20% to 
alcohol only; and 10% to 20% to a combination of both.

MacAulay said he wasn't surprised by the numbers, adding seven of every 10 
federal inmates have addiction problems.

"People commit crime to support their habit," he said.

"They either want a fix or alcohol. There's nothing more horrible. That is 
why they commit the crime."

But MacAulay didn't have any quick fixes for the problem.

He made no announcements as he released the report's findings, promising 
only that the statistical data would be used in developing future policies 
and programs.

The $250,000 study was paid for with contributions from several federal 
departments, including Health Canada, as well as the RCMP and the Canadian 
Association of Chiefs of Police.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart