Yet it is surprising that many newer treatment options are not being used. Similarly, many current smokers want to quit, but treatment is underutilized, despite recent pharmacological advances in treating tobacco addiction, such as the nicotine patch. Health plans typically do not cover cessation services, and relatively few doctors provide even brief counseling. Yet physician advice has been shown to increase long-term abstinence rates by 30 percent. Among those convicted of violent crimes, approximately half of state prison inmates and 40 percent of federal prisoners had been drinking or using drugs at the time of their offense.
Alcohol is more likely to be involved in crimes against people than property.
Up to 60 percent of sexual offenders were drinking at the time of their offense. More than 75 percent of female victims of non-fatal domestic violence report that their assailant had been drinking or using drugs. Rates of heavy alcohol use are highest among those with less than a college degree. Among people with less education, smoking is more common, and smoking cessation less likely. In addition, heavy smoking is higher among those without a high school diploma.