Alcohol Abuse Articles

Alcohol related crime in teens is increasing. Two crimes significantly increased by the use of alcohol amongst juveniles are domestic violence and traffic offenses. Keep reading for more information and statistics on underage drinking and how it relates to criminal behavior.

Alcohol is a substance that can alter the state of your mind. It causes impairments to judgment, as well as impairments to perception. This means that alcohol can be a factor in many different types of crimes. With the mind affected, violent tendencies can be increased, and those affected may even end up doing things they wouldn’t normally consider. Two of the main crimes related to alcohol abuse are domestic violence and traffic offenses.

Domestic violence and alcohol

Domestic violence is a real problem, especially when alcohol is involved. More than 50% of incidents of domestic violence involve alcohol. When someone is drunk, it can result in violent and erratic behavior. Many women and children are beat severely when drunk family members are moved to rage for causes that may not even be apparent. It is also true that women can become increasingly violent, abusing their children and even their male partners when under the influence of alcohol.

In addition to domestic violence, it is important to that more than half of all homicides involve alcohol. The ability to retain control over one’s feelings and actions is important, and alcohol removes these inhibitions. One third of suicides are alcohol related, and 25% of all emergency room admissions are in some way related to alcohol use. It is clear that a great deal of crime and pain could be avoided by alcohol abuse prevention.

Traffic offenses and alcohol

A number of traffic offenses occur every year, with a little help from alcohol abuse. From erratic driving to fatalities, alcohol is a very influential factor in the type of traffic related crimes seen. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32% of total traffic fatalities involve a drive with a blood alcohol level in excess of 0.08. While most of these fatalities are the drivers themselves, in some instances the passenger riding with the drunk driver, other occupants of the car, or even occupants of another car or pedestrians are the victims. This can be devastating for many family members affected by drunk driving. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that right around 105,000 alcohol related deaths due to drunk drivers and diseases and injuries related to drunk driving.

Drivers who survive traffic accidents can be charged with different offenses related to driving under the influence of alcohol. DUI is one of the crimes, but if someone has died, it is possible for a drunk driver to be charged with involuntary manslaughter or even vehicular manslaughter. It is important to be aware of this possibility, and to try to avoid drunk driving. Using a designated driver is preferred, or taking a taxi home.

Underage drinking

Another alcohol related crime is underage drinking. In the United States, all states require drinkers to have reached the age of 21 before they are legally allowed to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. However, many children begin drinking well before turning 21. It is very important to address underage drinking consequences, because it can have serious consequences later in life. Indeed, 40% of those who start drinking prior to the age of 13 end up being dependent on alcohol.

Other alcohol abuse statistics include the following:

• Alcohol increases by three times the chance that a nighttime crash will be fatal in the age group 15 - 20.
• 67% of eighth graders and 83% of tenth graders say that they can easily get alcohol.
• Nearly 25% of ninth graders have been on drinking binge in the last month. 
• Alcohol is the most prominent substance used by teenagers. More teenagers have had alcohol than have tried cigarettes and marijuana combined.

In the end, it is important to recognize the fact that alcohol can be quite dangerous. While it is a legal substance, and can be beneficial and enjoyable when used responsibly and sparingly, it is nevertheless something that alters your state of mind. It is vital that you understand the prevalence of alcohol related crime, and take steps to reduce its likely impact in your own life.