Chasing the Scream referred to research that found the majority of “drug-related violence” is related to trying to control the drug trade rather than crimes committed by those under the influence. It later states that when a large number of drug dealers are arrested, drug dealing does not decrease and violence, such as homicide, increases. (Hari, 2015, p. 80) 1. What did you believe was meant by “drug-related violence” before reading this? 2. Do you think the information from the reading, if it were better known, would change some stereotypes about people who misuse substances?

1. Before I read this article, it was my belief that “drug related violence” meant acts committed by drug users. It could be domestic abuse, assault or any other crime committed under the influence.
2. Yes. If the data from this study were more widely known it would change some of our perceptions about drug users. It is common to believe that drugs cause violence. But, research has shown that many of the violent incidents involving drug misuse are actually due to efforts to curb the drug trade and criminalization. The focus could move away from the individuals using drugs and onto the systemic factors that cause drug-related violence.

P. Reuter, J. Haaga (peer-reviewed) support this notion with “Drugs & crime: A complicated relationship”. This article was published by the National Institute of Justice and provides an overview of the complicated relationship between drug abuse and crime. It demonstrates that illegal drugs can often be the source of crimes, although the causal link between them isn’t always clear. This article also describes the connection between drug prohibitions and violence.

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