Kopak et al. (2013)

Examines the link between drug use and crime, specifically focusing on the contributions of alcohol and drug dependence to different types of offending.
Utilizes data from the 2010 Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring II (ADAM II) program, involving 3,006 male arrestees.
Findings:
- 15% to 39% of arrestees demonstrated drug dependence across offense types.
- Only 5% to 16% showed signs of alcohol dependence.
- Drug dependence correlates with higher felony charges; alcohol dependence correlates with violent offenses.
Emphasizes the need for systematic assessment and treatment to reduce offenses related to substance use.

A significant percentage (up to 85%) of offenders have a history of substance use in the U.S.
A high proportion of jail inmates report regular drug use prior to committing crimes (69% in the past month).
Drug and alcohol use contributes to over 50% of crimes committed.
Highlights previous studies and statistics connecting substance use with violent and property crimes.

Goldstein's (1985) three-category classification of substance use and its relation to crime:
1. Pharmacological Reasons: Direct influence of drugs on behavior.
2. Economic Motivation: Stealing to finance drug habits.
3. Systemic Reasons: Violence related to drug trade competition.
Defines substance dependence as persistent use despite negative consequences, consistent with the DSM-5 criteria defining serious substance use disorders.

Alcohol use is strongly associated with violent crime.
Regular alcohol consumption increases the chances of committing violent crimes significantly.
Research shows alcohol-dependent individuals often engage in aggression, particularly during intoxication.
Significant research gaps regarding the link between alcohol dependence and violent offenses exist.

Evidence suggests strong connections between drug dependence and non-violent crimes like theft to support drug use.
Drug-using offenders often lack legitimate income sources, increasing their involvement in crime.
Explores polysubstance use and the impact on criminal behavior and charges.

Derived from the ADAM II program, the study involved a probability sample of male arrestees across various states.
Inclusion criteria for participants included having complete interviews and clear indicators of offense severity.
The final sample contained 3,006 arrestees.

Key predictors: Drug and alcohol dependence were measured with six items each based on the UNCOPE screening tool.
Outcome measures:
- Offense Severity: Misdemeanor vs felony.
- Offense Type: Includes violent, non-violent, and substance-related offenses.

Majority of arrestees identified as African American (60.3%), with 15.5% being Hispanic/Latino.
Most arrestees (83.7%) were single, separated, or divorced.
The study sample mainly charged with misdemeanor offenses (60.7%).

Significant associations found between arrestee charge types and dependence groups:
- Higher proportion of alcohol-dependent arrestees charged with violent offenses.
- Drug-dependent arrestees more likely to be charged with less serious, substance-related charges.

Contradictory findings revealed alcohol-dependent individuals were more likely charged with misdemeanors.
Drug-dependent arrestees had increased odds of felony charges compared to non-dependent individuals.

Findings support that substance dependence significantly influences offending types and severity.
Present inequities in criminal policy concerning substance dependence among offenders.
Recommend systematic screening and treatment efforts for arrestees, particularly those with substance dependence.

Criminal justice systems must address substance dependence significantly in policy and practice.
Screening for substance dependence following arrest can facilitate effective interventions for offenders.
Reevaluating laws governing substance-related offenses is essential to align with the realities of substance dependence.