You are correct to question whether there is a connection between welfare and drug use, perhaps there isn't. But a broader point is that for most people your i

You are correct to question whether there is a connection between welfare and drug use, perhaps there isn't. But a broader point is that for most people your income is due to someone's spending, so a reduction in income (welfare and unemployment in this case) may reduce spending on all things, necessities and vices alike. As for the connection between homicides and drugs, this is a general assumption, perhaps there is no connection.