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.