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Alcoholism, alcohol, intoxication and assaultive behavior
Diseases of the Nervous System
|May 1, 1976
Summary
Alcohol intoxication significantly contributes to serious assaultive crimes among incarcerated males. Many offenders, particularly problem drinkers, have extensive criminal histories and rarely seek alcoholism treatment.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychology
- Criminology
- Addiction Studies
Background:
- Assessing alcohol's role in criminal behavior is crucial for understanding and preventing violent offenses.
- Problem drinking is frequently associated with criminal activity and recidivism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of alcohol use and intoxication among males convicted of serious assaultive crimes.
- To examine the relationship between problem drinking, criminal history, and alcohol consumption during the commission of crimes.
Main Methods:
- A study of 307 males entering the North Carolina prison system after conviction for serious assaultive crimes.
- Data collection included criminal records, alcohol consumption patterns, and self-reported amnesia for the crime.
Main Results:
- 80% of subjects were convicted of homicide; 36% were identified as problem drinkers.
- Problem drinkers exhibited higher rates of prior arrests for alcohol offenses, non-alcohol crimes, and serious assaults.
- A majority (58%) of subjects were drinking during the crime, and 40% of victims were also drinking.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol use is a significant factor in the commission of serious assaultive crimes.
- Problem drinkers often have a history of alcohol-related offenses and violence, yet rarely seek treatment.
- Intoxication was not consistently perceived by offenders as relevant to their criminal behavior.