Pubdate: Wed, 01 May 2002
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Author: Ajay Bhardwaj

FUELING VIOLENCE

Booze and Drugs Role in Crime Points to Need for Social Intervention - Agencies

A national study that suggests booze and drugs fuel violent crime is just 
another reason for introducing more prevention programs, say addictions 
experts.

"One of the implications of the study for AADAC and other agencies is the 
need to address addictions," said Ed Sawka, director of research services 
at the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission.

But Sawka added, a solution to the problem could be found further 
"upstream," through early intervention or prevention programs.

Federal Solicitor General Lawrence MacAulay released results of the 
three-year, $250,000 study yesterday.

It was conducted by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, an arm's-length 
federal agency.

The study was based on interviews with 10,000 male and female prisoners in 
provincial and federal institutions. Those interviewed including those 
recently arrested and prisoners incarcerated for several years.

The study found alcohol is more often associated with violent crimes, such 
as murder and assault, while illegal drugs are more commonly linked to 
break-ins and robberies.

About 54% of offenders told researchers they were under the influence of 
either alcohol or drugs when they committed their most serious crimes.

That, says Christine Leonard, executive director of the John Howard Society 
of Alberta, is proof enough for the government to start emphasizing early 
intervention and prevention programs.

"Once someone is in (prison), it's too late," she said.

She said her group has always believed there's a correlation between 
alcohol, drugs and crime.

Alliance MP Peter Goldring, who represents Edmonton Centre East, said the 
report didn't reveal anything new to him.

"It's really a three-year non-report," Goldring said from his Ottawa office.

"It's kind of like saying heavy drinking will cause a hangover."

He said drug laws need to be toughened and "soft drugs" shouldn't be 
de-criminalized.

Goldring said money spent on the report could have been spent on hiring 
guards to ensure drugs and alcohol don't make their way into the prison system.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Alex