Methamphetamine use, self-reported violent crime, and recidivism among offenders in California who abuse substances.
This study uses data from 641 state prison parolees in California to examine the associations between methamphetamine use and three measures of criminal behavior: (a) self-reported violent criminal behavior, (b) return to prison for a violent offense, and (c) return to prison for any reason during the first 12 months of parole. Methamphetamine use was significantly predictive of self-reported violent criminal behavior and general recidivism (i.e., a return to custody for any reason). However, methamphetamine use was not significantly predictive of being returned to custody for a violent offense. These trends remained even after controlling for involvement in the drug trade (i.e., sales, distribution, or manufacturing).
Cartier
Jerome
J
UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, University of California, Los Angeles, 90025, USA. jcartier@ucla.edu
Farabee
David
D
Prendergast
Michael L
ML
D000328:Adult; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine; D008875:Middle Aged; D011329:Prisoners / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012008:Recurrence; D012647:Self-Assessment; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D008694:Methamphetamine