Alcohol and other drug use are associated with approximately half of
all spousal abuse, homicide, and rape cases, as well as 38 percent of
child abuse cases. One out of three arrests in this country have some
kind of alcohol or other drug connection. In Genesee County, alcohol is
the drug most associated with domestic violence, assault, homicide and
suicide.
Researchers are divided as to whether violent acts are linked
specifically to drug use, or if drugs simply intensify an underlying
psychological problem. Studies continue to confirm that alcohol and
other drug use are known to impair judgement, reduce inhibition, and
increase aggression. Narcotics arrests in Genesee County increased 64
percent from 1994 to 1998. For juveniles, arrests for narcotics
increased 20 percent and liquor law violations increased 31 percent. The
following facts strongly correlate drug use and violence:
- A study of twenty cities found that six out of ten adult males
arrested for serious crimes tested positive for drugs.
- Up to one-half of men who commit acts of domestic violence have
substance abuse problems.
- Students attending schools where drugs are easily accessible are
more likely to report violent experiences. Gang or drug disputes
were cited as the leading cause of school gun violence.
- Marijuana users, aged 12-17, are four times more likely to
physically attack others than youth who do not use marijuana.
For more information contact the Genesee County Health Department at
257-3612.
