The relationship between alcohol and violence is very distinct and well-known; many violent incidents involve alcohol.
In 2015, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reported that 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 were assaulted by another student who had been drinking alcohol. 97,000 students reported alcohol-related sexual assault and rape. The association between aggression and violence has been long recognized by researchers. Violence is defined as behavior that intentionally causes another person physical harm or attempts to inflict physical harm on another person. As a drug and alcohol rehab center in Palm Springs, we wanted to explore the effects of alcohol and how they may lead to aggressive behavior.
How Does Alcohol Cause Violence?
Alcohol causes violence for a variety of reasons. The side effects of alcohol may contribute to aggressive behavior because it disrupts normal brain function. While small amounts of alcohol can make someone feel relaxed and even sleepy, drinking too much can cause cognitive impairment. Many people tend to act out or behave certain ways while under the influence of alcohol because it weakens the brain’s ability to restrain impulsive behaviors, like acting out inappropriately on your aggression. This impairment can also cause a person to misunderstand a social cue or situation, meaning they’re more likely to overreact to a certain interaction because they aren’t processing it correctly.
Aside from the side effects of binge drinking, the relationship between alcohol and violence also involves cultural perception. The culturally perceived notion that alcohol causes violence makes the latter more probable when a male drinks. In other words, a person’s culture may influence their behavior more than the alcohol itself. Research suggests that using real and artificial alcoholic beverages shows that people who believe alcohol causes violence and aggression act out more aggressively regardless of the drink they were given.
Individuals who continuously abuse alcohol are more likely to act out aggressively and experience a variety of other unsightly side effects. At Banyan Treatment Centers Palm Springs, we offer an alcohol detox that can help alcoholics wean off of this substance and begin their treatment.
Alcohol and Domestic Violence
Alcohol and family violence is a common duo; many movies and TV shows have portrayed an alcoholic parent who takes their anger out on their family. Unfortunately, this idea is pretty common. But why does this happen? One possible cause for alcohol-related domestic violence may stem from the individual’s past experiences. For instance, if the person suffered abuse from an alcoholic parent, they may struggle with their mental health when they’re old. Past trauma can also affect the way they treat their families when they’re older. When it comes to alcohol and dating violence specifically, a partner that drinks excessively may have had bad experiences with past partners that could influence their current relationships. For instance, infidelity can cause insecurity and deep-rooted distrust that may be taken out on the next partner. Combined with past trauma, alcohol may worsen a person’s behavior towards their loved ones. Without alcohol addiction treatment or mental health counseling, the individual’s behavior may worsen.
Alcohol abuse can cause a variety of problems for the individual and their loved ones. If you or someone you know is showing warning signs of alcoholism or currently struggles with a drinking problem, don’t wait to get help. Call Banyan Palm Springs today at 888-280-4763 to learn how we can help.
