Initiation process and drugs

Findings illustrate that drugs play a role in the initiation into a gang. Inductees are offered drugs before going out to complete the task that would prove them worthy of inclusion in the gang. Drugs would be provided along with a weapon when being initiated into the gang. Once the act has been completed the individual is rewarded with open access to drugs and alcohol. One participant however identified a different process within the 26 gang. Here the initiation within jail appeared to be a more sombre process. In conclusion, drugs play a role in the initiation process into a gang, with the only discrepancy being in the Number gangs within the prison context.

6.2.5.2. Gang norms with regards to drugs

Chapter 4 explored disparities with regards to gangs‟ endorsement of drug usage. Gangs have reportedly been known to discourage usage of substance, as it may negatively affect their drug trade and activities. It has further been proposed that gangs support the usage of certain substances, such as marijuana and alcohol.

The findings show mixed responses with regards to sanctioning of drug usage by gangs. It is clear that gangs make drugs available when gang activities are conducted. Gangs were however described at times as discouraging non-drug users from using drugs. Non drug using members were described in the findings as a valuable asset as they are more reliable and can be entrusted with duties, particularly within the drug trade.

The study demonstrates that gangs distinguished drugs from each other and further selectively sanction the usage of substances. Alcohol, marijuana, mandrax and methamphetamine appear to be accepted within a gang. Alcohol and marijuana however are most acceptable, with marijuana usage being a norm within all gangs, including the Number gangs. Marijuana usage within the Number is socially acceptable behaviour. The norm of marijuana usage within the Numbers is illustrated by a gang member who described that he was introduced to marijuana whilst in prison. The study further demonstrates that members of the Number within prison use mandrax, methamphetamine and heroin, which are easily accessible and relatively accepted.

The findings illustrate that gangs make a distinction between drugs. Although drug usage appears to be a norm and relatively accepted by the gang, heroin usage was discouraged by some gangs. Heroin is viewed as a more harmful drug in comparison to other drugs due to the resulting tolerance and severe withdrawal symptoms. Heroin is thus placed in an elevated category. The study described that some street gangs would supply their members with all drugs, except for heroin. Members whose drug of choice was heroin, needed to exchange these drugs for heroin. Once the drugs were exchanged the member could use their heroin

with the rest of the gang. In this process, the gang had not directly bought the heroin for the member. This illogical reasoning allows the gang to demonstrate a moral standing on heroin usage, and perhaps demonstrate what members appear to perceive as concern for their well being.

A more practical reasoning behind gangs‟ reprove of heroin usage may be due to the detrimental affect which its usage may have on the gangs functioning and thus profitability. The study found that gang members could not perform optimally if they were dependent on drugs, particularly heroin. The drug dependant individual becomes motivated by their physiological craving and further may struggle to function. Members may begin to prioritise feeding their habit above loyalty to the gang and all that it entails. Drug dependence further affects the ability to trade drugs, as the drug dependent individual is more likely to make mistakes and become unreliable, for example using the stock.

In conclusion, gangs tread a thin line between condoning and discouraging drug usage. Supporting drug usage may benefit the gang, as it encourages and motivates gang activities. Members whilst intoxicated lack inhibitions and are willing to undertake any tasks, particularly violent acts, with little thought of the consequences. Gang members that become dependent on drugs are however a risk for the gang, as they become unreliable and disloyal, as their absolute devotion to the gang is challenged by their physiological needs. Physiological needs are the most basic of human needs, and as a result are the strongest motivator of behaviour. Gangs appear to be cognisant of the threat which physiological needs pose to their wellbeing of their business.

6.2.5.3. Temporal order of gang involvement and drug usage

The study demonstrates that substance usage begins prior to engaging in a gang. Further, substance usage is a risk factor for engaging in a gang, as gangs offer accessibility to drugs, as they provide drugs to their members.

Findings illustrate that drug usage progresses and escalates after engaging in a gang. This is demonstrated by increased time spent using drugs, as well as in drug choice. For example members may progress from marijuana usage to methamphetamine usage.

It is recommended that:

 More research be conducted by any interested parties with regards to the temporal order of gang involvement and drug usage in order to inform effective intervention strategies

 Drug usage be the focus in gang intervention by role players in policy formation as well as service providers

 Service providers attempting to motivate gang members to disengage from a gang, explore distortions with regards to gangs‟ prohibition of certain drugs, highlighting it as self interest rather than a concern for its members.