In-Depth Notes on Drug and Sex Crimes

Recreational Offenses

• Young people are drawn to drug use for various reasons.
• Society regulates illicit drugs for health, safety, and crime prevention.

History and Extent of Drug Abuse

• Historically, drug use was limited to artists seeking enhanced creativity.
• Medicinal elixirs in the 1800s contained substances like cocaine, alcohol, and opium.

Opium

• Introduced to the U.S. via Chinese immigrants.
• Affected many Americans, leading to increased usage and social implications.

Psychoactive Substances

• Gained popularity during the hippie movement (1960s-1970s), symbolizing newfound freedoms for youth.

National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)

• Marijuana: 26 million users (9.6% of the population aged 12 and older).
• Prescription pain relievers: 3.2 million abusers.
• Methamphetamine users: 774,000.
• Cocaine users: 2.2 million.
• Overall illicit drug use: 11.2% among those aged 12 and older.

Opioid Epidemic

• Approximately 140-170 daily deaths due to opioid misuse in the U.S.
• Opioids include heroin, synthetic opioids (fentanyl, carfentanil), and prescription pain relievers.
• Nearly 80% of heroin users misused prescription opioids prior to using heroin.

Heroin

• Chemically similar to prescription opioids, producing similar high effects.
• Classified as the most dangerous opioid, not used medicinally in the U.S.

Controlled Substances

• Grouped into five schedules under the 1970 Controlled Substances Act.
• Schedule I: Highest potential for abuse, Schedule V: Lowest.

Economic Impact of Opioid Crisis

• The cost of the opioid crisis exceeds half a trillion dollars annually.
• Includes indirect costs such as medical care for drug-related child abuse.

Drug Trafficking

• Encompasses manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, importing, and exporting drugs.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

• Defines "dangerous drug" outside of cocaine, opiates, and cannabis.
• Heroin Signature Program (HSP): Identifies the geographic source of heroin samples through chemical characteristics.
• 93% of heroin in the U.S. originates from Mexico.

Cocaine Trafficking

• Predominantly from South American countries: Peru, Colombia, Bolivia.

Pharmaceutical Diversion

• Occurs through illegal prescribing and dispensing practices.
• Doctor Shopping: Seeking lenient physicians to obtain prescriptions.

Drug Use and Crime

• Strong correlations established between drug use and crime:
• Drug users often more involved in criminal activity.
• Individuals with criminal records frequently report drug use.
• Higher crime rates correspond with increased drug usage.

Drug Defined vs. Drug Related Crimes

• Drug Defined Crimes: Violations of laws pertaining to illegal drug possession and distribution.
• Drug Related Crimes: Non-drug law violations where drugs play a contributing role.

Drug Control Strategies

• Forfeiture: Seizure of proceeds from illegal drug sales.
• Decriminalization: Reducing criminal penalties for possession of controlled substances.
• Legalization: May also lessen penalties for drug possession.

Sex Work

• Defined as engaging in sexual activity for hire.
• Statistically, 38,000 arrests yearly for prostitution; juveniles involved estimated at 100,000-300,000.

Changing Landscape of Sex Work

• Shift from street prostitution to internet-based platforms.
• Different types of prostitutes:
• Streetwalkers: Lower prices, higher arrest risk.
• Bar/Hotel prostitutes: Work events and business negotiations.
• House prostitutes: Operate in legal environments (e.g., Nevada).

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)

• Crimes against minors for financial gain.
• Average entry age into sex work is 14-16 years.

Debate on Sex Work

• Feminist perspectives vary:
• Some view it as exploitative and dangerous.
• Others see it as liberating and a means of exercising bodily autonomy.
• Personal reflection encouraged on individual stances regarding this issue.