Do you find yourself drinking to relax, driving under the influence of alcohol, having problems with friends and family because of drinking? Perhaps, you also have legal issues because of alcohol, or you are often neglecting responsibilities, then you are most likely suffering from alcohol abuse. 

Alcohol abuse arises when you drink too much alcohol on occasion and too often such that your drinking habits often cause you to exhibit some risky behaviors and poor judgments.

Alcohol abuse can cause severe health conditions such as cirrhosis, a disease of the liver, or worsen certain disorders, for example, osteoporosis, or can prevent an early diagnosis of heart disease.

Most times, treatments for alcohol abuse are focused on helping you learn to control your level of alcohol consumption.

First, recognize you need help so, commit yourself to stay sober and practice healthier drinking habits. Treatment often aims at finding healthy ways to manage stress, therapy, and learning new skills to cope with managing your alcohol consumption.

 Effective treatments for alcohol abuse are:

1. Medication: Treatment can be through medical management using alcohol-deterrent medications, such as Revia or Vivitrol (naltrexone) or as prescribed by doctors. These medications will help you reduce symptoms of withdrawal and can also help you quit drinking. They tend to block the feeling of intoxication and help reduce cravings or make you feel sick upon alcohol consumption.
2. Behavioral therapy: This includes specialized alcohol counseling or joining support groups consisting of people with the same issue. You could also be involved in both counseling and support groups. These can increase your chance of recovery from alcohol abuse.

You must note that treatment would work differently per individual so, you should ensure you find a treatment that is most effective for you and find it sooner.

Crime is a social issue that is constantly increasing globally with several motivating factors varying per individual and society.

Generally, however, alcohol has proven to be a motivating factor of crime, and alcohol intoxication in itself under certain circumstances such as driving is criminal. Intoxication comes with some effects like the tendency of being loud, disruptive, aggressive, and belligerent.

Alcohol damages the side of the brain needed to stop impulses and control the ability to foresee the consequences of an action. Therefore, alcohol severely damages a person’s judgment when such a person is intoxicated.

It results in such persons taking risks and committing acts that they, on the contrary, would never have done. Likewise, they are more likely to be talked into something they otherwise would not do, some of which could be criminal. 

Moreover, levels of dopamine, one of the chemical messengers responsible for sending signals of pleasure, in the brain is increased by alcohol. It creates a buzz and makes a person derive pleasure from most actions he makes under the influence of alcohol. Hence, committing crimes could seem enticingly pleasurable.

Furthermore, the activities of the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain that is involved in decision making and which helps a person think rationally and clearly, are decreased by alcohol. Hence, an effect of alcohol consumption is that it prompts a person to act without thinking about his/her actions.

The prefrontal cortex is also partly responsible for your sense of control over your emotions and behaviors. It can gravely impact the aggression level of a person, making such one prone to violence, anger, and a high level of hostility.

These emotions are provocative and can make it more likely that individuals will want to commit violence against another as alcohol consumption will reduce your ability to control your emotions.

Drinking alcohol does not mean that person is going to be a criminal. At the same token, not consuming alcohol does not prevent someone from committing crimes.

However, extensive research on the topic of alcohol and crime suggest that alcohol consumption and criminal behavior are closely connected.

There is an obvious pattern or logical flow of links between drinking, poor decision making, criminal behavior, and legal consequences. The proof of this thinking is shown by the fact that so many people currently serving time in prisons or living with the stigma of a criminal record have a history of problem drinking.

It is also indisputable that there are consequences related to family, society and career when drinking is severe and when it affects the normal functioning of the mind or body.

Seeking treatment and rehabilitation for alcohol addiction or problematic drinking habits is the best way to avoid the worst possible consequences.

Problematic drinking has many, many negative consequences. It can’t be overlooked that one of the worst is passing on the same problematic habits to others.

As part of understanding alcohol abuse and crime, it is useful to know the common kinds of criminal behaviors and what kinds of penalties they carry. But another important consideration is the impact of these criminal behaviors on the victims.

Lack of control over alcohol use rarely has one victim, and the consequences are rarely short lived.

Crimes associated with alcohol abuse are likely to cause the offender to lose some money or freedom. But, more importantly, those crimes usually have long-lasting impacts on family, friends, or even complete strangers. The problem may be centered on one person, but the consequences have ripple effects.

Crimes generally associated with alcohol include domestic abuse and violence, underage drinking, robbery, assault and rape.

Alcohol is considered more likely to be a reason in violence where the attacker and the victim know each other. About two-thirds of crimes committed by an intimate person such as a spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend have been reported to be related to alcohol consumption.

Victims of crimes deal with many confusing and conflicting emotions. Crime is a traumatic experience and the victims often go through long periods of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD are serious and have lasting mental and emotional scars.

The best way to prevent such trauma and heart ache in the society is for everyone to take personal responsibility when it comes to consuming alcohol and seeking immediate help if any signs of excess consumption or uncontrolled drinking behavior are noticed.  

It is well known that many crimes are committed under the direct or indirect influence of alcohol consumption.

Some crimes are connected to a person’s blood-alcohol level while others are related to the impaired state of mind due to the influence of the alcohol. Here are some of the common alcohol related crimes:

Driving Under the Influence

This is one of the most common culprits. Driving after drinking any amount of alcohol is dangerous. Unfortunately, deaths due to drunk driving are so common, in spite of the awareness campaigns.  Driving with a blood alcohol level above the legal limit is grounds for arrest. Though many are arrested for driving under the influence, many more will never be caught.

Theft

There are many reasons why a person with alcohol addiction might resort to stealing. Drinking is an expensive habit that needs a constant source of money. This is the reason why theft is a common alcohol-related crime. Robbery is a felony and carries penalties including potential jail time. The penalties differ depending on the nature of the robbery and the value of the stolen goods.

Domestic Violence

Alcohol related offences by an intimate partner such as a spouse or a partner could include physical attacks as well as sexual assaults, or psychological abuse. Ironically, since drinking often happens with or around an intimate partner, these partners are the ones who face the worst consequences of alcohol related crimes.

Child Abuse

Child abuse includes physical violence, neglect, mistreatment, and verbal or emotional abuse. Though convictions for child abuse have heavy penalties, the innocent victims suffer the most serious trauma.

Sexual Assault

Alcohol plays a role in many sexual assaults. This type of crime can be child abuse or intimate partner violence, or it could be perpetrated on a stranger. Anyone convicted of sexual assault should expect significant legal penalties that continue even after release from prison.

Homicide

Alcohol can amplify emotions, which is why it plays a role in so many homicides. Once a person under the influence of alcohol is in a state of heightened emotions, they lose control and are likely to carry out their actions further than they would normally.  The penalty for homicide can be life in prison or even death.

Exploring alcohol related crimes is important to appreciate the devastating impacts of alcohol on individuals, families and society. Crime is not be the first indication that people connect with problem drinking or addiction, but it is a significant and serious symptom that needs attention.

HOW SUBSTANCE ABUSE INDIVIDUALS TURN OUT TO BE CRIMINALS

A good number of times, people get addicted to one form of addiction or the other, and it is usually due to some factors. Now, the most common form of addiction, is drugs and alcohol addiction. Together, they are commonly referred to as substance abuse or addiction, and they basically mean the obsessive intake of alcohol and drugs.

Most times, taking alcohol and drugs usually start off as a harmless act. Probably as a means to get in the mood or to ease oneself of depression. However, if care is not taken, it transcends into a compulsive and obsessive disorder where the individual cannot do without taking either of the two.

Taking a look at stress for instance, some individuals take these substances in a bid to ease themselves of stress. The mistake they end up making is, they turn this into a regular act, and they get to a stage where they cannot do without it.

When one is intoxicated, there is a tendency for the individual to misbehave. For some set of people, whenever they are in the “high state”, they could act aggressively to people around them, which could result in harming them. While for others, they could be in sober state where they would be unable to interact with other people, thereby straining the bond of relationship between themselves and other people.

When it comes to criminal acts which are perpetrated by some set of individuals, one of the major reasons why they seem so dauntless, is not far-fetched. Most times, before they go for an operation, what they do is, take drugs which would help them look and feel fearless even in the face of real danger.

These drugs aid them by giving the necessary motivation to carry out their wicked act, thereby harming innocent people in the process. One of the best ways of salvaging this, is to ensure that these hard drugs are made limited and out of reach.

Also, those who are addicted to these substances, can be helped by introducing them to addiction rehab centres which would assist them to recover at a good rate.

Substance abuse can result in a great deal of misfortune, as the actions of those who are addicted begin to spiral out of control. However, what many fail to realize is the difficult futures that come through criminal records. For, such a history oftentimes drags itself on the heels of those who struggle with alcohol and drug misuse—presenting a great deal of problems for them. Yet still, there is legal action that can be taken—which can allow one’s content to be erased from his/her public record.

This is where expungement law comes in, as it “deals with the state court procedures for removing criminal records from public view”. For, without such that information is available to a wide range of people, causing the individuals to lose opportunities—such as jobs—that they might not otherwise. The reason behind this is because employers that are looking to hire are able to access that individual’s information, and upon doing so they can decide whether or not they want to hire him/her—based on his/her background history, and other such content.

As a result, it can be difficult for one to secure as many job opportunities as he/she might like—or one job in particular that he/she might have interest in—due to his/her past history. But, expungement takes care of such, so that the individual can gain the ability to start anew—with a clean record. Even so, the process differs from state to state, and there are certain requirements that one must meet—in regards to their offense—in order to qualify.  

In turn, offenses that may seem small to the outside world—DUIs, DWIs, etc.—can cause a great deal of suffering for the individual that is involved. However, if he/she chooses to expunge the charge, then those records can be be “erased” after the expungement has been approved. Upon doing so, it’s up to the individual to submit proof through documentation—and/or the expungement order—to agency databases, so that his/her information may be updated.

In conclusion, if individuals have faced charges—resulting from substance abuse—they have the ability to not only turn their lives around—through recovering from their addiction—but to turn their records around as well. It is through doing so, that they can restore—and/or regain—their opportunities—whether it be oriented around career, transportation, organization, family agencies, and so on. As a result, the most beneficial course of action that one can take is looking into the process of expungement in regards to his/her state.

Those who are caught using drugs, dealing drugs, or both can face grave legal consequences after further assessment. However, what many do not realize is what action is taken to determine the severity of one’s addiction. It is through such that various individuals—addicts or not—can begin to understand DSM (and/or a specific medical criteria for substance abuse and addiction). According to such, “you have a substance use disorder if your substance use is causing significant problems in your life, like health issues or disability that are related to your substance use and/or not meeting your responsibilities at work, home, or school”.

As a result, what this criteria includes is listed as follows; “hazardous use, social or interpersonal problems related to use, neglected major roles to use, withdrawal, tolerance, used large amounts/longer, repeated attempts to control use or quit, much time spent using, physical or psychological problems related to use, activities give up to use, and craving.” It is through these categories that a diagnosis—of one individual, or many—can be made.

When one begins to meet a majority of these it can begin to not only take a toll on his/her personal life, but his/her good standing within society as well. It is then that the need for the substance can overpower one’s morals—and/or even values. As a result, they might find themselves saying that it will only happen that one time, or finding other ways to justify that what is taking place is okay. In doing so, the willingness to do whatever it takes to get the substance—whether it be drugs, alcohol, or both—can begin to overpower their better judgement.  

In conclusion, several drug related arrests take place on a daily basis all because of the addiction that one is faced with—whether it be through alcohol, tobacco, opioids, hallucinogens, etc. For, they may have been under the influence of one or more substances at the time of the crime—or they may have taken part in criminal activity so that they could obtain a particular stimulant.

However, this is something that is oftentimes overlooked because many solely see the crime itself, instead of the reason behind such. But, as the individual receives the treatment he/she needs—to aid in his/her recovery—what he/she is struggling with can be handled right at its source. Through such, addicts can begin to find treatment before the legal consequences—of criminal offenses—even take place, resulting in a healthy, and jail-free life from then on out.

Substance abuse can cause a wide array of issues—that go way deeper than DUIs—and can affect students who are struggling with addiction, no matter their age or gender. As a result of such this can bring about a number of problems, but two of the most crucial for those still in school are listed as follows; 1. Loss of employment, and 2. Loss of Financial aid for college.

First and foremost is loss of employment which can create a great deal of stress for those—with a DUI—whose income is based solely off of their jobs. In turn, this can cause a significant amount of anxiety for students who have a series of bills to pay for—on top of school—such as; rent, car insurance, etc.

Not only that, but it can also cause problems later on down the road—depending on what the particular individual wants to pursue career wise. For example, if someone wants to do something related to transportation (truck driving, etc.) this can pose as a problem because employers will look at crucial information—such as criminal records—via background check. Upon doing so it might cause them to think twice about hiring that individual in particular.

Another example where this is oftentimes seen is if one is pursuing teaching—and/or child education. For, it is through such that he/she will find himself/herself around children of various ages, but a DUI or DWI can jeopardize that because employers might not feel fully comfortable—and/or fully trust that person enough—with that kind of responsibility.

Second is the loss of one’s financial aid. Financial aid, more commonly known as FAFSA, is briefly defined as “any grant or scholarship, loan, or paid employment offered to help a student meet his/her college expenses”. In turn, even though FAFSA doesn’t ask questions in regards to alcohol related misdemeanors/felonies one’s drug conviction(s) can cause a great deal of problem if there were drugs in the vehicle at the time that he/she was pulled over. Then, if his/her FAFSA is suspended this can put a breach his/her school plans—by postponing his/her education.

In conclusion, the legal consequences of DUIs/DWIs can greatly affect students—and cause an unnecessary amount of stress, as they try and attend school. Therefore, it is important that they get help for the substance abuse that they are struggling with early on so that they can not only benefit their present, but their future as well.

The legal consequences that come through DUIs and DWIs can be of great severity, but even more so with parents. As a result of such, they might find themselves 1. losing custody of their children, and 2. facing jail time—among a number of other possibilities. And even if it’s the individual’s first offense, it can still cause him/her a great deal of problems, by not only affecting him/her in particular, but also the lives of those around him/her.

The first factor to take into consideration is one losing custody of his/her children because if that parent is under the influence—with his/her son or daughter in the car—then he/she can be seen as a high risk. For, it is not safe for the child to be in the car—while the parents perception is in disarray, and/or askew. This, in turn, can put him/her in danger, and will be seen as such by the court.

Not only that, but the parent might find a social worker getting involved with the case, as a way to check and ensure that the child is safe, and not in harm’s way. A majority of issues can arise through such—especially if this is a first offense on the parent’s part—because it can cause an unnecessary amount of stress, as he/she is monitored, along with his/her child.

The second factor is jail time which varies depending on the classification of the DUI—and/or DWI. For example, a first offense “is classified as a misdemeanor, and punishable by up to six months in jail”. In turn, depending on the amount of time that one has to serve, it can be difficult as a parent—especially if he/she is the primary caretaker. Not only that, but if the individual’s blood alcohol content is at a level which exceeds the legal limit—especially to a great degree—this can also cause consequences of a greater severity.

In conclusion, legal consequences don’t just affect the individual struggling with substance abuse, but his/her family as well. That’s why it is important that one gets the help he/she needs sooner rather than later—so that he/she isn’t at risk of losing his/her children, jail time, and other such things. It is then that he/she can ensure himself/herself of a healthy and safe well being—along with that of his/her kids.

Addiction is a struggle that a number of individuals are faced with on a daily basis—whether it be alcohol, drugs, or both—as it affects their personal life, work life, and a number of other aspects and areas of their lives. For, they not only begin to lose their sense of self, but may find themselves experiencing a loss in their surroundings—such as; family, friends, job, etc. However, what many fail to realize is the effect it can have on them legally as well, if steps aren’t taken ahead of time to help them towards recovery.

First and foremost is alcohol, which can cause a series of problems in relationships, and behind the wheel. For, a number of domestic abuse incidents happen in the midst of such. In relation, domestic abuse is defined as, “violent or aggressive behavior within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner.” We oftentimes see an example of this when one has been drinking because alcohol reduces our ability to think straight. Therefore, when we begin to consume it in excess (to the point of intoxication), we lose the ability to think how we normally would—with a sober mind, and/or consciousness. As a result of such, this can cause aggression to take place within one’s partner, and vice versa, simply by a misinterpretation of a social cue, and other such factors.

Secondly, individuals can face great legal consequences if they make the drunk-minded decision to drink, and get behind the wheel. Through doing such, he/she not only puts his/her life in jeopardy, but the lives of others. For, they can begin to misinterpret the speed that they are going, and take away the life of another. This can cause great grief for that other person’s family, leaving the individual himself/herself with jail time due to the death of another. However, these are only some of the legal consequences that one is faced with when he/she drinks; the consequences of drug use are similar.

When individuals consume drugs—no matter the kind—they begin to not only harm their body physically through the use of such, but experience financial pitfalls. Despite popular belief, while those who are faced with an addiction to drugs may find themselves giving up whatever money—and/or assets—they have to obtain such, financial downfalls also happen through the legal consequences of losing one’s driver’s license, revoking one’s professional license, and/or a criminal records (which can detail specific things such as one’s arrest, his/her jail time, and his/her history of drug abuse). This, in turn, can cause hardship to take place in the individual’s life by prohibiting them from obtaining a job.

In conclusion, alcohol and drug abuse are something that can cause great severity in the lives of those who are faced with such. Therefore, it is best that one gets help before it is too late. It is then that individuals who are struggling with addiction can allow themselves the opportunity to heal through recovery, and get their life back, rather than losing all the people they hold dear, along with their assets.