Alcohol abuse and violence have a long and troubling history together. The risk factors for violent behavior and the scary statistics on alcoholism and domestic abuse are good enough support alone to show just how dangerous alcohol abuse really is, let alone the physical effects to your body. Alcohol abuse does not cause violence, but it can certainly be a factor. If you are struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction, it is important to seek treatment in order to bring back health, stability and control to your life.

Alcohol Abuse and Violence Statistics

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD), 40% of all violent crimes today involve alcohol in one way or another. NCADD estimates that approx. 3 million crimes are committed each year in the U.S. in which the offender of the crime was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

The Relationship between Alcohol Abuse and Violence

While alcohol abuse is not a direct cause of violence, there is a strong risk factor for violence when alcohol abuse enters the picture as evidenced by the statistics noted above. There are several reasons for why this may occur. Here are some of the possibilities…

• When a person abusing alcohol over-consumes alcohol, they may be prone to black out episodes. When a person has blacked out they often have no recollection of their actions and many times people engage in behavior they normally would not have such as acting out violently.
• A person may become violent in attempt to source alcohol out of desperation and as a result of his or her addiction.
• A person may become violent due to an overly aggressive response to a specific situation occurring while under the influence of alcohol.

Choosing a Better Path

You have a choice. You don’t have to surrender yourself to the many risk factors of alcohol abuse. You can turn things around and lead a healthier, more stable life with a life of recovery. An alcohol treatment program can help you find the underlying reasons for your alcohol abuse and addiction to give you lifelong important tools for living through the process of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the main treatment method for addiction and it comes in several forms including cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy and group therapy. An alcohol treatment program can also assist you in recovery with such methods as attending support group meetings, lifestyle counseling, goal setting, diet and nutrition, fitness, meditation and others.

If you or someone you love is suffering from the effects of alcohol abuse, substance addiction or any other type of addiction, please call us today.  Our addiction treatment counselors can help you deal with physical, emotional and psychological consequences of drug and alcohol abuse.  A substance abuse treatment program is effective, safe and has helped many men reclaim their lives. Destination Hope is a full service drug, alcohol and dual diagnosis treatment facility in Florida for men suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues.