Crime and Alcohol, Finding the Missing Link

There is a definitive link between alcohol use and crime. Research suggests that people who
have been incarcerated for violent crimes were more likely to be drinking heavily before the
incidents took place. Whether it is a murder committed in the heat of the moment, sexual
assault, road rage and rash driving, or domestic violence, many crimes are committed under
the influence of alcohol.
Alcohol in known for lowering inhibitions and some individuals, either because of genetic
make-up or environment, exhibit more than the usual aggressive behavior that easily spirals
into a barbarous act. Some offenders are repentant and consider alcohol solely responsible
for their guilt.
While the link between
alcohol and homicide
has been established
time and again, little is
known about the
victims and their
association with
alcohol. A 2016 study
investigating the role of
alcohol in spurring
violence concluded that
alcohol was equally
responsible for
homicide victimization.
Many could have been
specifically targeted
because alcohol made them vulnerable and defenseless.
The researchers also examined common socio-demographic factors such as age, gender and
sex and arrived at the following conclusions:

39.9 percent of the homicide victims had a positive blood alcohol content (BAC); 26.2
percent had a BAC that was greater than or equal to 0.08 percent.
Males were twice at the risk than females.
American Indians/ Alaska natives, Hispanics and those with a prior history of partner
violence were also at a greater risk.
Effects of drinking too much
Alcohol impairs cognitive skills and clouds judgement. Whether one is the victim or the
perpetrator, it causes certain imbalances in the brain; as a result, one is unable to take a sound
decision. The ensuing high could cause one to undertake daunting challenges such as drive at

www.alcoholaddictiontreatmentarizona.com
breakneck speed. It may also cause one to become more easy going and let their guards down,
which they avoid when in a less inebriated state. One could take a ride from a stranger, who
could have ulterior motives or be careless about their valuables.
Alcohol and drugs have become the most common causes of incarceration. A study conducted
by the Pew Center on the States reported that 40 percent of the prisoners were under the
influence of alcohol when they committed the crime. It was also reported that the likelihood
of alcohol involvement was far more in case of grislier crimes. Some of the common crimes
when one is under the influence of alcohol are:

Partner violence: Too much drinking can drive a person to intimidate a partner or
coerce them into sexual activity. This can leave lifelong scars on those suffering and
strain relationships forever.
Drunken driving: Driving under the influence or DUI is a common factor in most
automobile accidents in America. Drinking numbs the reflexes, blurs the vision and
impairs coordination skills.
Juvenile crime: Children in state juvenile justice systems are often brought to court
for committing crimes while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Child abuse: There is a definite link between parents who drink and neglect and abuse
their child. Children who grow in such environments have higher risk of succumbing
to addictions themselves.
Sexual abuse: It has been observed that women who have high blood alcohol levels
have higher risk of being sexually assaulted than those who stay sober.
Road to recovery
Alcohol consumption has become a part and parcel of the lives of the youth. It is important
to know ones limit and drink responsibly or avoid alcohol completely. If drinking habit goes
beyond ones control, it is imperative to seek treatment immediately. Apart from causing
psychological damage, alcohol use disorder (AUD) also puts severe strain on various organs
of the body. Recovery programs not only rid the body of toxins, but also help a person get
better control of life through medication and alternative therapeutic activities such as yoga
and meditation.
If you or someone close to you is addicted to alcohol and needs treatment, get in touch with
the Arizona Alcohol Addiction Helpline to know about evidence-based alcohol addiction
treatment centers in Arizona. Call our 24/7 helpline 866-671-1510 for more information
about alcohol addiction treatment in Arizona.

www.alcoholaddictiontreatmentarizona.com