# The Link Between Crime and Opiate Addiction

> Main threats to society nowadays is crime and opiate abuse – Prescription painkillers & heroin use have increased the link between crime and drug addiction.

## Article Details

- **Author**: Sophia Reyes (Health Content Specialist)
- **Published Date**: October 25, 2012
- **Estimated Read Time**: 3 minutes
- **Categories**: Blog
- **Tags**: addiction, opioids, pruritus, seniors
- **Web URL**: https://premier-dream.co/blog/the-link-between-crime-and-opiates
- **Markdown URL**: https://premier-dream.co/blog/the-link-between-crime-and-opiates.md

## Content

Crime and opiates have an apparent relationship that requires discussion. Nearly every aspect of society is affected by **drug abuse** and addiction. It puts a strain on local, state, and national economies, drives up healthcare costs, endangers lives, splits up families, and stretches the criminal justice system to its limit. The main threat in this day and age are **opiates** – in the form of prescription painkillers, especially fentanyl and heroin. These drugs have changed the very face of drug addiction. Every day people are getting dependent. Good people. Professional people. Young people. Older people. The story goes like this for many people: Someone takes a [**prescription painkiller**](https://www.opiates.com/prescription-painkiller-addiction/) for an injury or illness. A tolerance builds, requiring more of the drug. Physical dependence develops. A person increases their consumption of the drug, and psychological dependence may set in, meaning the person could develop a drug addiction. Many people end up switching from prescription painkillers to [**heroin**](https://www.opiates.com/heroin/) . It’s cheaper on the street and oftentimes, more readily available. And it provides the same effects, such as relief of physical, psychological, and emotional pain. They both have the ability to dull the senses and numb unwanted feelings.

## Desperation to Avoid Opiate Withdrawal Fuels Much of the Problem

At this point, many people become desperate. **Opiate withdrawal** can be so brutal that people will do anything to avoid it. Maintaining a drug dependency can be expensive, and people get desperate. They may resort to any number of crimes to fuel their habit. They may target friends, family members, neighbors, other patients, or strangers. Some of the crimes that are most often associated with **opiate abuse** and opiate addiction are:

- Armed robberies 
- Property thefts 
- Home and car break-ins 
- Bank robberies 
- Drug dealers targeting other dealers for theft 
- Theft of copper pipes from abandoned structures 
- Prescription fraud 
- Pharmacy theft 
- Violent crimes such as assault, homicide 
- Prostitution 
- Shoplifting 
- Driving under the influence/traffic offenses 
- Fraud/forgery 
- Weapons violations 
- Crimes against the elderly 
- Fraud against government assistance programs 
- Probation/parole violations 

## Certain Groups of People are Vulnerable When it Comes to Drug Addiction

The [Office Of National Drug Control Policy](https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/) says **prescription drug abuse** is the fastest-growing drug problem facing the nation. The [Centers For Disease Control and Prevention](https://www.cdc.gov/) call it an epidemic. Authorities at all levels of government are scrambling to deal with it. While anyone can be affected, these groups say those who are especially vulnerable include military personnel, veterans, children, and college-age people. **Opiate treatment centers** and programs across the country are struggling to keep up. And this reactive approach focuses on treating the problem rather than preventing it. Non-medical use of opiates is on the rise and threatens us all in one way or another.

## Related Articles

- [Heroin Side Effects - Short & Long Term](https://premier-dream.co/blog/heroin-side-effects.md)
  Heroin is a dangerous and illegal opiate. Users don’t know purity of the drug they ingest increasing risk of heroin side effects like overdose and death.
- [Fentanyl Abuse in 2026: Signs, Risks & Treatment](https://premier-dream.co/blog/fentanyl-abuse.md)
  Fentanyl is 50x stronger than heroin, and now often cut with tranq. Learn the signs of abuse, 2026 overdose data, and how medical detox treats dependence.
- [Buy Prescription Drugs Online Legally: Complete Guide 2026](https://premier-dream.co/blog/best-online-pharmacy.md)
  Discover how telemedicine has revolutionized prescription practices, making it easier and more affordable to buy medications online legally. Learn about FDA-approved online pharmacies and safe purchasing guidelines.

## About Premier Dream Pharmacy 24/7

Premier Dream Pharmacy 24/7 provides pharmacist-reviewed educational health resources, authentic prescription medications, and discreet worldwide delivery.
- **Catalog & Knowledge Base**: https://premier-dream.co/llms.txt
- **Contact**: WhatsApp (https://wa.me/17148869690) | Telegram (https://t.me/+17148869690) | Email (premierdreampharmacy@gmail.com)