Explain how can alcohol cause or contribute to criminal activities in our social world
Answers
Alcohol plays a large role in criminal activities and violence. Excessive drinking has the ability to lower inhibitions, impair a person’s judgement and increase the risk of aggressive behaviors. Because of this, alcohol-related violence and crime rates are on the rise throughout the country.
Over the past several decades, researchers have examined the relationship between alcohol, drugs and crime. Data suggests that engaging in prolonged drinking or binge drinking significantly increases your risk of committing violent offenses. Giving in to the harmful effects of alcohol can change your life in an instant. Not only are you jeopardizing your future, you are also putting others in danger. Criminal activities come with severe consequences such as time in jail, legal fees and other court-ordered penalties.
A number of individuals that serve time in jail have committed alcohol-related crimes. Offenses range from minor to serious and include property crime, public-order offenses, driving while intoxicated, assault and homicide. On average, roughly 40 percent of inmates who are incarcerated for violent offenses were under the influence of alcohol during the time of their crime. Many of these criminals had an estimated blood alcohol content (BAC) level of more than three times the legal limit at the time of their arrest.
Types of Crimes Associated With Alcohol
Some of the most common alcohol-related crimes involve cases of drinking and driving. However, there are a variety of other offenses that can result from alcohol abuse.
Several examples of criminal activities associated with excessive alcohol use are:
Robbery
Many cities across the United States have seen a steady increase in robberies and property-related crime. A number of these robberies – roughly 15 percent – have been linked to alcohol use. Alcohol can intensify a robber’s feelings of desperation and cause them to steal someone’s money or property. While some robbers desire a better lifestyle or want to make a quick buck, others can turn into repeat offenders. The consequences of robbing someone are harsh and may entail time in jail, criminal charges on your record, fines and other legal troubles.
Sexual assault
A sexual assault is a forced sexual act and may involve touching, kissing and intercourse. An estimated 37 percent of sexual assaults and rapes are committed by offenders who were under the influence of alcohol. For perpetrators, drinking may intensify their aggressive behavior. This can make them become more forceful when someone tries to resist them. Sexual assault can occur when there is a lack of consent, as well as when the victim is unable to give consent due to intoxication or mental state.
Aggravated assault
A common warning sign of alcohol abuse is irritability and extreme mood swings. Because of this, some individuals turn violent after an episode of heavy drinking. Poor decisions and impaired judgment, combined with aggression and hostility, can quickly become dangerous. If violent thoughts and feelings are acted on, it can lead to an aggravated assault charge. About 27 percent of aggravated assaults are committed by individuals who have used alcohol. Aggravated assault means causing serious injury, such as bodily harm to another person. Criminal charges are much stricter if a weapon is involved.
Intimate partner violence
Alcohol can play a dangerous role in intimate partner violence, leading to aggression, intimidation, forced sexual activity and other forms of controlling behavior. Intimate partner violence happens when a romantic partner causes physical, psychological or sexual harm to their significant other. An estimated two-thirds of victims suffering from violence by a current or former spouse or partner report that the perpetrator had been drinking, compared to less than one-third of stranger victimizations. Having a partner who is a heavy drinker can cause significant hardships, including financial difficulties, child care problems, infidelity, as well as other challenges.
Child abuse
Stress, money trouble, professional instability and a host of other factors can influence the amount of alcohol a person consumes. However, alcoholism not only affects an individual, it impacts family members and friends – including children.