Getting by with a little help from your friends : the impact of peer networks on criminality in a cohort of treatment-seeking drug users

BEST, David, HERNANDO, R., GOSSOP, M., SIDWELL, C. and STRANG, J. (2003). Getting by with a little help from your friends : the impact of peer networks on criminality in a cohort of treatment-seeking drug users. Addictive Behaviors, 28 (3), 597-603.

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Abstract

This study investigates the links between social networks of drug users and criminal activity. Opiate misusers (n=128) receiving in-patient treatment were interviewed about substance use, social networks, and crime in the month before treatment. Almost 60% of participants reported an average of more than 70 crimes each. Less than one-fifth of the subjects spent no time with other users, while just over half spent either "quite a lot" or "a lot" of time with drug users. Time with users increased the risk of crime. Spending no time with users provided a protective effect. Time with criminally involved drug users was associated with greater levels of crime. Social networks represent an important marker for integration in criminal networks in treatment-seeking drug users and a long-term barrier to rehabilitation.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Law Research Group
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1016/S0306-4603(01)00254-4
Page Range:	597-603
Depositing User:	Hilary Ridgway
Date Deposited:	05 Feb 2015 09:49
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 09:30
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/9210

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