REASONS FOR CRIME Some studies have worked out that as many as 75% of all crimes that are committed have alcohol misuse or drug abuse as their root cause. Crimes such as assault, violence, petty crime and breach of the peace are frequently fuelled by alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs can lower inhibitions and encourage people to make decisions they wouldn’t when not under the influence. Those who are addicted to Class A drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, find that their habit becomes very expensive – sometimes running into hundreds of pounds a week. Many addicts are therefore forced to turn to crime in order to get money to pay for their drugs. e.g. robbery or prostitution.