The link between alcohol and violence

The link between alcohol and violence

We have heard that alcohol enhances violence, but the reality is that these two problems are related on many levels. Is violence the cause or consequence of consumption?

Alcohol consumption and violence are two important public health concerns. The two, separately and in interaction, seriously affect the health of the population, communities and criminal justice. Thus, although there are differences in the amount and pattern of alcohol consumption and rates of violence, the relationship between alcohol and violence is present in all cultures.

Despite this, few countries quantify the number of violent events in which alcohol is involved. In addition, it is difficult to make a record of this type, since the relationship between alcohol and violence can occur in several ways. One can aggravate the effects of the other, and alcohol is related to the perpetuation of acts of violence, such as being a victim, although alcohol consumption prevails in aggressors.

Thus, the mechanisms that relate these two problems are multiple and can influence individually or simultaneously.

What is the relationship between them?

The first mechanism may be one of the most logical. Alcohol consumption decreases the ability to self-control and process information. Therefore, those who have drunk alcohol are more likely to resort to violence to solve a conflict, or that is less capable of recognizing alarm signals, making it an easy target for aggressors.

On the other hand, the belief that alcohol is a precipitant of violent acts can lead people to commit them, using that belief as an excuse or as preparation for the participation of violence.

In some types of violence, such as violence towards the elderly, child abuse or violence towards the couple, it may be that alcohol dependence leads to failure to fulfill their obligations, or that they coerce others to cover expenses to buy alcohol.

It is also necessary to keep in mind that being a victim or witness of violent acts can lead to excessive alcohol consumption as a form of coping or "self-medication."

Apart from these possible causes, there are disorders or diseases, such as antisocial personality disorder or fetal syndrome due to alcohol, which is related to excessive alcohol consumption and the likelihood of suffering and performing violent acts.

Risk factor's

The relationship between alcohol consumption and violence does not always occur naturally, but there are certain factors that predispose to it.

Individual factors

In the victim

Sociodemographic characteristics, such as age or sex, are related to the likelihood of a person suffering violence under the influence of alcohol. Thus, it is more common in men and young adults, approximately between 16 and 35 years.

A consumption pattern is also considered a risk factor in which a large amount of alcohol is consumed, frequently and, with a higher risk, if the onset was at an early age.

On the other hand, having experienced violence in childhood and adulthood seems to increase the risk of alcohol dependence at later ages. In addition, alcohol problems are more frequent the more different types of violence a person has suffered. For example, who suffered child abuse and, subsequently, violence inflicted by the couple.

In the aggressor

Again, age and sex are related to the execution of violent acts. It is more common in men, and in terms of age, there are variations depending on the country.

For example, in the United States, 38% of aggressors are between 30-39 years old and 29% are between 21 and 29 years old; while, in the United Kingdom, violence towards strangers under the influence of alcohol is more frequent in young people between 16 and 24 years.

As with the victims, the pattern of alcohol consumption has a lot to do, the stronger the relationship being the more consumed and the earlier it is started.

Relational Factors

These factors refer to the relationship between aggressor and victim. Thus, in the case of violence in the couple, alcohol consumption is more related to violence when only one of the members consumes.

On the other hand, having suffered parental violence is related to a pattern of excessive alcohol consumption in adulthood. And conversely, when one of the parents, or both, have a problem related to alcohol, it is more common for a young person to commit violent acts.

Community and social factors

In addition to the characteristics most related to the person itself, the time and space also influence. In this sense, alcohol-related aggressions are more frequent on weekends, in places where it is consumed and that are especially prone (for example, remote areas, hot and/or noisy and permissive areas with criminal behavior).

Above all these factors, in societies with a greater culture of alcohol consumption, especially sporadic, violent acts related to alcohol occur more frequently. Likewise, the belief that alcohol disinhibits, gives security or involves an exchange between two people, increases the risk of acting violently.

Consequences of consumption

Both problems have a lot of consequences at all levels: personal, community, economic ... People who suffer end up developing psychological problems, in addition to physical consequences. It is also a huge burden for public services and the economy of the country, having to allocate a large number of resources and millions annually.

Therefore, it is essential that alcohol-related violence prevention programs be carried out. Among these measures is the regulation of the sale of alcohol, decrease access to young people, modify places of consumption, perform short treatments and interventions in case of risk and improve the night environment.