Alcohol Related Crime

Alcohol Related Crime

SSP 152 - Alcohol.Science.Society.
May 1, 1998

There is a certain responsibility that an individual must take upon themselves when they choose to consume alcohol.   It can affect how we think, feel, and act.   There may be repercussions if alcohol is not handled carefully.   Alcohol can release the inhibitions that control activity, which may lead some to turn crime or similar activities; disregarding the potential outcome of their behavior.
Most are able to generally handle themselves at any given loci.   For many of these drinkers, alcohol use is socially acceptable and is a complement to social events, good food, and conversation with friends and family.   Many families use wine or other alcoholic beverages as a part of traditions or rituals. Others enjoy the relaxation effects of drinking or merely like the taste of a beer or a glass of wine with a special meal.   In these situations the use of alcohol is moderate, occasional, and low risk.  
But, there are also those who function unacceptably, losing proper inhibiting control.   Not only do those intoxicated potentially become threat to themselves, they may subsequently become a menace to others.   This is the primary problem regarding alcohol, the threat is poses to others.


The correlation between alcohol and crime is frightening.   Over four million alcohol related arrests are made each year, that is one third of all arrests in the United States of America.   Alcohol is a key factor in sixty-eight percent of manslaughters, fifty-four percent of attempted murders, fifty percent of cases involving sexual assaults, and forty-eight percent of robberies.   The cost of this crime is estimated at $61.8 million annually.   With the high amount of alcohol related arrests, it is hard for all of them to be incarcerated.   Many are let go with light punishments, often soon to commit similar alcohol influenced crimes.   Three of the more commonly discussed crimes or problems regarding the abuse of alcohol involve...