Objective: This paper examines criminality among substance users with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Substance use disorders (SUD) and PTSD have independently been associated with high rates of criminal involvement. It is possible that the combination of symptoms of SUD (e.g., impulsivity, aggression and reduced inhibition) and PTSD symptoms (e.g., hypervigilance, irritability and anger) in individuals with this comorbidity may increase susceptibility to criminal involvement, in particular, violent crime. However, very little research has been conducted examining the validity of this claim. Methods: Data was collected from participants recruited to a randomised controlled trial of an integrated treatment for comorbid SUD and PTSD. Information on current and past criminal activity, aggression and criminal attitudes was analysed for the first 30 participants recruited into this study.
Results: Preliminary analysis found that 33% of participants had a prison history and 70% had an arrest history. Participants had committed violent crimes, drug-related crimes and property crimes in the month prior to data collection. Individuals who had committed violent crimes had greater PTSD severity and, in particular, greater severity of PTSD-related arousal symptoms. Scores on the Aggression Questionnaire and the Criminal Sentiments Scale – Modified were also elevated in this population.
Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary support for the relationship between substance use, PTSD (arousal symptoms in particular) and violent crime. Knowledge of the factors that predispose individuals to criminal offending has important implications for clinical and forensic practitioners.