Excessive consumption of alcohol is known to impair judgment and lower inhibitions, thereby increasing the chances of aggressive behavior and criminal activity. 

According to the National Council On Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), alcohol plays a role in 40% of all violent crimes in the US. 

The NCADD stats further reveal that alcohol is a factor in 37% of sexual assaults and rape cases, 15% of robberies, 28% of aggravated assaults, and 25.5% of simple assaults. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at the crimes and offenses related to alcohol use and which crime is often related to alcohol use, and the best action to take before alcohol abuse gets out of hand! 

Public Intoxication

Public intoxication (also public drunkenness) is criminalized in most jurisdictions as it disturbs peace and puts members of the public in danger. 

Once intoxicated, alcohol abusers tend to become unruly, aggressive, and disruptive, which increases the risks of avoidable injuries, accidents, and crimes. 

Many jurisdictions deem public intoxication illegal in efforts to restrict alcohol consumption to bars, restaurants, and homes. 

Driving Under The Influence 

Drunk driving is a major offense that often attracts severe penalties due to the risks involved. As blood alcohol content continues to increase, a driver’s judgment and reactions reduce significantly. 

Motorists that insist on driving while intoxicated not only put their lives at risk but also those of other innocent road users. 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics (NHTSA) reveal that approximately 28 people die in drunk-driving crashes in the US every day, a clear indication of the need to curb drunk driving.

Due to the severity of the risks, DUI attracts heavy fines and even lengthy jail time. 

Aggravated Assault

While alcohol-related euphoria usually starts with feel-good vibes, the good moods rarely last past the third or fourth bottle. 

As you continue to consume alcohol, you’re more likely to become aggressive and hostile, which increases the chances of violent reactions when provoked. 

Statistically, approximately 30% of aggravated assaults are committed by intoxicated individuals. 

And since alcohol impairs judgment, an intoxicated individual is likely to use more force than needed and use available objects as weapons to inflict as much damage as possible. 

Sexual Assault 

A sexual assault is a non-consentual act of sexual nature that may involve kissing, touching (inappropriately), and intercourse. 

Between 29%- 40% of reported sexual assaults are committed by perpetrators found to be under the influence of alcohol. The number is most likely higher if unreported sexual assaults are factored in. 

Moreover, alcohol is also frequently used by sexual offenders to incapacitate victims or lower their inhibitions and, therefore, reduce their ability to resist unconsented sexual advancements. 

The risk of sexual assault increases significantly upon alcohol consumption as the depressant reduces social anxiety, thus leading to potentially offensive behaviors that would be avoidable when sober. 

Intimate Partner Violence 

Alcohol is the leading cause of intimate partner violence in most households across the country. 

Intimate partner violence mostly occurs when one intimate partner is intoxicated but can also     happen if both partners are excessively drunk. 

Excessive consumption in a single sitting is likely to heighten emotions and therefore lead to aggressive behavior between intimate partners, more so if there are underlying issues that are yet to be solved. 

While most cases of intimate partner violence are often resolved before getting out of hand, they can lead to serious injuries and even death if allowed to escalate. 

Homicide

Approximately 38% of convicted murderers were found to be intoxicated at the time of committing assaults that led to murder. In fact, no other substance increases the chances of homicides more than alcohol. 

An individual that may have responded calmly to an incident when sober is more likely to resort to violence if provoked when intoxicated. 

And since alcohol consumption increases aggression and carelessness, an intoxicated person may use excessive force or potentially dangerous items as weapons, thereby leading to negligent homicide. 

Child Neglect and Abuse 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is among the leading contributors to child maltreatment by parents, relatives, or guardians. 

Even more worrying, persistent child abuse due to alcoholism has been found to increase a victim’s chances of developing alcohol-related problems later on in life. 

So what are some of the ways alcohol can lead to child neglect and abuse? 

First, an intoxicated parent might respond aggressively and even resort to physical abuse as a way of asserting dominance. As per child welfare reports, approximately 43% of child abusers admit to being intoxicated at the time of physical or emotional abuse. 

In addition to physical and emotional abuse, alcoholism can also lead to child neglect, an offense that is punishable by law! 

Over time, parents addicted to alcohol will start neglecting their responsibilities at the expense of alcohol. This usually results in loss of jobs and business closure, which greatly diminishes their ability to provide for their children. 

Moreover, parents or guardians struggling with alcoholism are less likely to be directly involved in their children’s upbringing, thereby increasing the chances of sexual abuse by family members or strangers. 

Property Damage

Alcohol works by slowing down brain function, which in turn leads to impaired judgment. This explains why a drunk individual is likely to make poor decisions and engage in careless behavior that often results in intentional or unintentional property damage. 

Most people arrested for property damage or trespassing blame it on alcohol. 

It is also easy for drunk peers to pressure each other to commit offenses that they would otherwise avoid when sober. 

Is Treatment Necessary For Alcoholism?

Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that requires professional assistance to overcome. 

If left untreated, alcoholism can lead to medical, financial, and even legal issues that can mess up your life (or that of a loved one). 

The good news is alcohol addiction, no matter how severe, can be treated with the right support from professionals from the best rehab centers in Philadelphia and loved ones. 

If you’ve been in trouble with the law for an alcohol-related misdemeanor, it’s best to take action before the situation gets out of hand. 

Contact a licensed rehab center today to kickstart alcohol addiction treatment and take charge of your life.