Drug and Substance Abuse: A Key Driver to Criminality

Author(s)	Mr. Edwin Mberikwazvo, Mrs. Pauline Tinovachema Nenerai
Country	Zimbabwe
Abstract	Drug and substance abuse has emerged as a major social and public health concern globally, with significant implications for crime and societal instability, (WHO 2019). This journal explores the relationship between substance abuse and criminal behavior, highlighting how addiction, economic pressures, impaired judgment, and social disorganization contribute to increased criminal activities. The paper also discusses the types of crimes associated with drug abuse and proposes intervention strategies aimed at reducing both substance abuse and crime rates. Imagine a young person, bright with potential, suddenly consumed by paranoia-seeing threats in every shadow, hearing orders to harm or victimize others. This isn’t just a health crisis-its substance induced psychosis and its increasingly driving violent crime on our streets. As a Forensic Psychologist Intern, observation of devastating link between drugs and crime are witnessed daily. This calls for a quick address on these issues to curb criminality in the country.
Keywords	Drug abuse, Substance abuse, Crime, Criminality, Psychosis, Addiction, Rehabilitation
Field	Sociology > Philosophy / Psychology / Religion
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-03-25
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.72347

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research