Unveiling the Impact: Exploring Alcohol-Related Crimes

Alcohol-related crimes affect everyone in the community, not just those who drink too much. Crimes range from serious violence, like domestic abuse and murder, to other offenses, such as public drunkenness and drunk driving. Each of these offenses has its own impact on both the people involved and everyone around them.

Drinking alcohol can change how people think and act. For example, drunk driving leads to many accidents and injuries every year. It's not just driving, though — alcohol can also play a part in violent behavior and abuse in relationships. 

Preventing crimes related to alcohol isn't easy. It's about more than just making stricter laws. We need to teach people about the risks of drinking too much, offer help to those who have problems with alcohol, and find ways to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place.

First, we need a clear understanding of alcohol intoxication.

What Is Intoxication?

When we consume alcohol, it enters our bloodstream and reaches the brain. From here, alcohol starts to impact the central nervous system, the organ system responsible for most functions of the body and mind.

• It becomes difficult to make decisions.


One of the first areas of the brain that intoxication affects is the frontal lobe. Judgment, decision making, and impulse control are impaired once we drink alcohol. For this reason, we could become less capable of evaluating the consequences of our actions, leading to poor decision making and potentially criminal behavior.

• Drinking makes you clumsy.


Intoxication affects our coordination and movement. Ever notice how drunk people often stumble around? That’s because alcohol affects the cerebellum, a part of the brain that helps with balance and motor skills. People who are intoxicated often experience this side effect, which is why drunk driving is extremely dangerous.


• You are more prone to risky behavior.


Alcohol can make us less inhibited and more likely to take risks. Intoxication impacts the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, influencing automatic brain functions and hormone release. Oftentimes, this means we might do things we normally wouldn’t consider or can’t properly consent to.

Alcohol’s Role in Crime

The conversation about alcohol and crime isn't just about people breaking the law; it's a much bigger issue that affects people in different ways. Drinking too much can lead to all sorts of trouble, from driving dangerously to getting into fights — or worse.

One of the most common issues is drunk driving because it’s one of the main reasons for accidents and deaths on the road. Due to their lowered inhibitions, drunk people tend to think they can drive just fine. However, alcohol interferes with our motor skills, making it hard for us to be attentive and affecting our concentration.  

Drinking alcohol may also compel us to get into fights or hurt others. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and increases aggression, which can turn a volatile situation fatal. 

There are also less talked about problems, like disorderly conduct and underage drinking. Widespread issues like alcoholism cause a lot of challenges for law enforcement and negatively impact community safety.

For many people, the path to crime can start with a struggle related to alcohol addiction because of broader socioeconomic issues (i.e., unemployment, lack of education, or living in high-crime areas). As alcohol addiction progresses, people might resort to criminal activities as a result of impaired judgment while under the influence.

Alcohol-Related Crime Statistics

Alcohol-related crime statistics show us that the effects of alcohol abuse go far beyond the people who drink; it impacts innocent bystanders as well. Accidents and violence linked to drinking often mean more people need emergency care, putting a lot of pressure on our healthcare system. On the other hand, a lot of police time and effort goes into handling alcohol-related incidents, using resources that could be used elsewhere. 

High rates of alcohol-related problems can make neighborhoods feel less safe and could also potentially lower the value of homes. Businesses decide against investing in these areas, thus affecting the overall community welfare and resources.

• Drunk driving. Even though they’re completely preventable, drunk driving is responsible for 10,511 deaths in the U.S. Drunk driving poses a severe risk to the public.
• Violent crimes and assault. People who drink alcohol excessively contribute to 27% of aggravated assaults, which highlights the huge role that alcohol plays in violent behaviors and crimes.
• Homicides. Severe forms of violence are exacerbated by drinking: statistics show that 40% of convicted murderers were intoxicated before or during the crime.
• Public intoxication and minor offenses. There are 316,032 arrests attributed to drunkenness annually in the U.S. 
• Impact on specific demographics. Young adults and people in specific socioeconomic groups are more likely to be involved in alcohol-related crimes. For example, binge drinking is often higher among college students.

Preventing Alcohol-Related Crime

Preventing alcohol-related crimes helps make our neighborhoods safer. It's not just about reducing crime; it also saves money that would otherwise be spent on things that would build a healthier and more stable society. 

When we're not spending so much on dealing with these crimes, we can put that money into schools, health services, restore roads and enhance public transportation, making getting around easier and helping our communities grow. Prevention makes life better for everyone in many ways.


1. Make a Transportation Plan

Before attending events with alcohol, plan for your safe return home. Appoint a designated driver, use a taxi or rideshare service, or rely on public transit.

2. Find Alternate Activities

Hobbies and events that don’t involve alcohol (such as sports, community service, alcohol-free vacations, or cultural events) offer enjoyable alternatives to alcohol-centric gatherings.

3. Support Legislation and Community Initiatives

Get involved in supporting laws and community initiatives targeting alcohol-related offenses. This effort could involve backing stricter drunk-driving laws, participating in support groups, or promoting access to addiction treatment facilities.

4. Promote Awareness Campaigns 

Take an active role in campaigns that discuss the risks of excessive alcohol consumption. Join online platforms, participate in community events, or collaborate with educational institutions to inform young adults.

5. Set an Example

Being aware of your alcohol limits, avoiding driving after drinking, and not pressuring others to drink are great examples of being a role model for responsible drinking habits.

Moving Towards Safer Communities

When we look at the numbers behind alcohol-related crimes, it's more than just counting incidents. These statistics are the key to understanding the link between drinking and crime. They help policymakers and community groups tackle the issue. When we can see the bigger picture of a problem, we can work together to create solutions in both little and big ways.

If you want to cut back on your alcohol consumption but don’t know where to start, consider trying Reframe. We’re a neuroscience-backed app that has helped millions of people reduce their alcohol consumption and develop healthier lifestyle habits.