A recent national study of over 43,000 U.S. adults by scientists at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) found that substance abusers are more likely than the general public to have antisocial disorders, including conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and adult antisocial behavior. Experts said the findings stress the need for coalitions to include criminal justice professionals in their substance abuse prevention efforts.
“The strong and significant association between substance abuse or addiction and conditions such as antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder, and adult antisocial behavior, suggests that prevention and treatment strategies need to apply an integrated approach,” said NIDA Director Dr. Nora Volkow. “By also treating antisocial syndromes, particularly those that develop in adolescence or persist over time, we may be able to substantially reduce substance abuse and addiction.”
Antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder, and adult antisocial behavior are typified by behaviors that can lead to interaction with the criminal justice system, including physical aggression, reckless disregard for one’s own safety and the safety of others, indifference regarding pain inflicted on others, destructive behavior, and stealing.
Jane Callahan, Director of CADCA’s National Coalition Institute, said the new data underscores the need for collaboration between all sectors of the community. “Due to the link between substance abuse and antisocial syndromes and the behaviors associated with these disorders, it’s important that coalitions address treatment in the local correction system as part of a comprehensive criminal justice response,” Callahan said. “Coalitions should make sure criminal justice professionals are at the table, especially when planning treatment initiatives.”
NIDA and NIAAA scientists conducted their research utilizing data from the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.