Drugs and Crime

The Tennessee Drug Enforcement Administration published startling numbers in 2008 regarding drugs use as related to criminal behavior. The report shows, that since 2003 over 4,112 meth labs have been seized with predominate seizures in Eastern Tennessee. The Chattanooga metropolitian area seems to be a major hub for methamphetamine distribution, as well as, a corridor for cocaine trafficking. With this insurgence of drug distribution, the crime rate also increases. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations report in 2008, drug arrests make up over 11% of crime in the state (under the category of drug violations), this does not represent the percentage of crimes related to drug addiction; robbery, forgery, prostitution, DUI’s, etc. I just heard of an incident in Chattanooga where a young man robbed a drug store, jumping over the pharmacy counter, demanding all of the Oxycontin in the store so that he could feed his own habit and re-sell the drug on the street. Why is it that drugs and alcohol are so powerful making people resort to such extreme action of criminal behavior in order to get high? Drugs and alcohol affect the brain in that it deceives the user into believing that they are not able to function without the drug and the user must do whatever it takes in order to maintain their level of drug/alcohol intake. In many cases involving drugs and crime, the user has absorbed all of their resources into drugs that they must now turn to more severe criminal behavior in order to maintain their level of addiction. There are risks everytime someone wants to use drugs; continually looking over ones shoulder because of the implications of drug and alcohol addiction. If you want to stop the insanity of drug and alcohol addiction and are concerned that your addiction could lead you to deeper criminal activity ( or already has), there is help for you. Drug treatment is the key to overcoming addiction in you or your loved ones life. If these are concerns for you then you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Call or email today and someone will help guide you to a life of freedom with a free and confidential assessment and drug treatment referral.