Alcohol and drugs and their relation to criminal recidivism

Abstract

This report assesses the influence of alcohol- and drug- induced disorders on criminal recidivism. A sample of 185 delinquents was examined for their criminal responsibility in the department of forensic psychiatry in the years 1992 and 1993. Official criminal records were obtained in December 2001. 27.3 % of the delinquents with alcohol abuse, 47.3 % with drug abuse and 47.2 % with a family history of alcohol abuse recidivated with a crime. 50 % of the individuals with an own alcohol- and drug abuse together with a family history of alcohol abuse recidivated. 62.5 % of offenders with both, own drug abuse and an alcohol abuse in their family history re-offended. The co-occurrence of both, own drug abuse and a family history of alcohol abuse is highly correlated with criminal recidivism and should be considered in treatment and aftercare programs.