There is no positive outcome that results from drug use. Not only does drug use degrade one’s body, but it also:
- Ravages health
- Ruins relationships with loved ones
- Decreases quality of life
- Reduces personal wealth
- Increases risk of death
It also increases one’s risk of being incarcerated. The relationship between crime and drug use is clear. Drugs change the way a person behaves and thinks which makes them more vulnerable to making poor and even dangerous choices.
How Are Drugs And Crime Related?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicates that drugs and crime go hand in hand in the following ways:
- Drug possession and drug selling crimes.
- Crimes committed related to drug use such as stealing money to buy drugs.
- Lifestyle crimes such as associated with criminals and being active participants in illegal activities.
In 2012, the Department of Justice explained that there were 6,937,600 individuals in the criminal justice system. The National Association of Drug Court Professionals indicates that of the incarcerated population, approximately 50% are clinically addicted. Over 60% of individuals who are arrested test positive for drugs in their system when they are taken in.
Just using illicit drugs is against the law. Studies show that there is a cyclical relationship between poverty, addiction, and crime. When people are unable to fulfill their needs through legitimate work they can be more tempted to turn to dealing drugs, stealing, and prostitution as a means to make the money they need.
Drugs, Crime, And Tennessee
Approximately 80% of crimes that occur in Tennessee are related to drug use in some way. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reports that there are 800 active meth labs in the state at any point in time. There is no upside to meth use. The irreversible damage and degradation it has on the human body, the toxic chemicals used to manufacture the drug are detrimental to the environment, and it is expensive to communities investing massive amounts of money in lab-clean up.
While meth is a serious problem in the state, heroin is on the rise once again. Heroin users are at very high risk for death. Many times, heroin is laced with other substances. Fentanyl is one of the substances that is widely used in cutting heroin and this synthetic opioid is considered more toxic than heroin.
If you are addicted to drugs, every aspect of your life can benefit from getting sober and getting clean. The medical detox and addiction alternative treatment center at Discovery Place in Tennessee can help you safely detox. Our center is unique because many of the staff understand the mindset you have when you come to our doors and how you are feeling.
We have a beautiful and calming location in the scenic countryside of Tennessee. Discovery Place’s Tennessee addiction alternative treatment center has many beneficial programs including a 30-day residential program, a long term recovery program, a continuing care program, and a family matters workshop.
Call our Tennessee detox alternative treatment center anytime day or night at 1-800-725-0922.
