NCJ Number
102148
Date Published
1984
Length
60 pages
Annotation
Major findings of the research literature, both psychological and criminological, into the relationship between alcoholism and crime are reviewed, with a focus on the methodological problems of such studies.
Abstract
Such studies have focused largely on selected prison populations or known alcoholics, thus raising questions about sample bias and the generalizability of results. In addition, difficulties have been encountered in defining criminality and diagnosing alcohol abuse. Further, most studies fail to include baseline or control data by which the claims of a strong relationship between alcohol and crime can be substantiated. Finally, while most studies have found a relationship and have proposed a variety of sociological, psychological, and other explanations for the relationship, few attempts have been made to substantiate these explanations. On the basis of empirical results, there appears to be a relationship between heavier alcohol consumption and the risk of criminal or asocial behaviors, particularly violence. However, more research is needed to elucidate this relationship. The effects of intoxication on criminal behavior and the interrelationship between alcohol intoxication and other internal and external characteristics may prove fruitful. 85 references.