The Connection
There is a strong relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior.¹

In a 1993–1995 survey of Texas inmates, 40% of females and 39% of males reported that they were high when they committed the crime for which they were in prison. In other words, 2 out of 5 inmates were high at the time they committed the crime for which they were arrested.¹

In addition, a 1998 study of Texas inmates found that substance abusers were more likely to commit certain types of crimes than non-abusers. Abusers of alcohol and illicit drugs are more likely than non-abusers to commit crimes involving guns and violence, knife violence, general theft, financial crimes, and drug sale crimes.¹

The Costs
Dallas County spends an average of $1,499 per felony disposition.² Considering that 2 out of 5 violent crimes are committed while the perpetrator is drunk or high, then 1,678 of the violent crimes committed in Dallas County in 2001 were associated with alcohol and other drugs. The cost of these related crimes was over $2.5 million to the county.

Make A Difference

Learn how to strengthen your community and prevent and respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, or disaster through a Neighborhood Watch Program.

Report possible illegal activities in your neighborhood to the police (911).

Resources
Regional Organizations
  Victims Outreach   (214) 358-5173

Information and referral concerning the criminal justice counseling, trauma counseling, peer support meetings.

State & National Organizations
  Crime Victim Compensation Fund
  National Center for Victims of Crime
  National Crime Prevention Council
  Rape Abuse Incest National Network