Drug abuse and criminal behaviour are often viewed through a narrow lens, with judgement placed on the individual act rather than the wider circumstances behind it. However, the realities that lead individuals towards drug abuse or crime are often far more complex, shaped by social, psychological, economic, and environmental pressures.
Professor Dr. Sanmugam Annamalah from the Graduate School of Business explores this complexity through his study, Socio Economic Drivers of Drug Abuse and Criminal Activities: A Multidimensional Analysis. The research examines how factors such as peer pressure, poverty, mental health challenges, social isolation, family conditions, and surrounding environments can contribute to drug abuse and criminal involvement.
Using logistic regression models and multilevel statistical approaches, the study identifies key predictors of criminal behaviour and highlights the powerful influence of peer groups and social networks on individual choices. The findings suggest that criminal involvement cannot be understood through blame alone, but must be examined through the conditions, relationships, and pressures that shape human behaviour.
This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, social workers, educators, and criminal justice authorities in developing more targeted prevention and intervention strategies. By understanding the root causes behind drug abuse and crime, communities can move towards more effective approaches that focus on early support, rehabilitation, and long term prevention.
The study reinforces the importance of holistic, evidence based solutions that address not only criminal behaviour, but also the social realities that often lead to it. It is a timely reminder that meaningful crime prevention begins with deeper understanding, stronger support systems, and a commitment to community wellbeing.
Journal: Deviant Behavior, SCOPUS Q1
Publisher: Taylor & Francis, United Kingdom
Collaborators: Rohana Sham, Amir Foroughi, Selim Ahmed