According to the general deviance syndrome theory,drug use is highly correlated with crime because addiction forces persons to steal money for drugs.

The general deviance syndrome theory posits that individuals who engage in deviant behaviors, such as drug use, are also more likely to engage in criminal behaviors due to a variety of interconnected factors, such as low self-control, deviant peers, and experiencing early-life stressors. While drug use may increase the likelihood of committing certain types of crime, such as drug-related offenses, addiction itself does not necessarily force individuals to steal money for drugs. Many individuals who struggle with addiction may obtain drugs through legal or semi-legal means, such as prescriptions or purchasing from dealers, rather than resorting to theft.