The links between alcohol, crime and the criminal justice system: explanations, evidence and interventions

Many studies indicate that alcohol abuse and dependence are closely linked with the criminal justice system (CJS). Alcohol was consumed prior to about half of all homicides and assaults, and nearly 40 percent of state prisoners report committing their current offense under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol abuse cost approximately $13 billion in 1992 non-health related costs. This article seeks to address this burden on the CJS and society. It presents a conceptual framework for explaining the alcohol-crime nexus, reviews empirical evidence of the complex associations between alcohol consumption and crime, and links these with promising intervention strategies to reduce alcohol-related crime.