Alcohol and violence go hand in hand
Violent crimes are often liquor or drug abuse related.
The EMPD has warned about the relationship between substance abuse and violent behaviour.
According to the metro police, one study found that more than 26% of respondents who reported using alcohol, cannabis and cocaine in 12 months also reported committing a violent crime within the same time frame.
“Alcohol abuse can increase the likelihood that individuals will commit certain crimes, such as assault or homicide, either by reducing their inhibitions or judgement or by increasing their agitation and anger,” said EMPD media liaison officer Ignatius Maphike.
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“Drugs can be related to crime if they cause a mental or physical state conducive to lawbreaking, lead to a perceived need that results in the motivation to steal or in a decrease in access to formal mediation and a corresponding increase in predatory and retaliatory crimes.”
Maphike added that some of the factors that may lead to substance abuse include a family history of addiction, peer pressure, mental health disorders, early use and a lack of family support and involvement.
