Alcohol, Crime and Disorder: A Study of Young Adults

Abstract

This study reports on some new analysis of the data from the 1998/99 Youth Lifestyles Survey (YLS), which has been undertaken to explore the relationship between alcohol use and offending. The YLS offers a unique opportunity to examine binge drinking and criminal and disorderly behaviour alongside other related lifestyle factors thus providing a more complete picture of alcohol-related behaviour. In conjunction with the statistical analysis, data from in-depth interview with binge drinkers aged between 18 and 24 years of age are presented. These provide a more detailed examination of the experiences of young people who drink in busy entertainment districts. In addition, the young people were asked for their views on how to improve the drinking environment and ultimately reduce the prevalence of alcohol-related incidents. The evidence produced by the YLS, together with the views of the young adults interviewed, indicate that alcohol-related crime and disorder, especially violent crime, is an issue that deserves widespread attention. Findings from this report should be of particular importance in informing policy development.

Binge drinking: an exploration of a confused concept

“…Cut off definitions have also been criticised for being too simplistic, by not taking into account factors such as the individuals weight, rate of drinking, social context and food consumption 19 – 23. For these reasons some researchers favour more qualitative definitions 21 24 25…”

‘High-jinks’ and ‘minor mischief’: a study of undergraduate students as perpetrators of crime

“…N.B. Official data from the 2005 Offending, Crime and Justice Survey -Wilson, Sharp, and Patterson 2006), except for * data from the Youth Lifestyles Survey, covers 18-24 year olds(Richardson and Budd 2003). Comparable data for stalking, indecent assault and graffiti/vandalism/minor damage not available.…”

Alcohol advertising and young people's drinking

“…This type of alcohol consumption is often associated with outbreaks of antisocial behaviour among young people and can have serious and damaging health consequences for those who allow their drinking to excess to continue over extended periods of time (Wyllie, Millard & Zhang, 1996;Richardson & Budd, 2003;Matthews, Shepherd & Sivarajasingham, 2006). Although drunkenness occurs across all age groups, it is most commonplace among young people in their mid to late teens (Alcohol Concern, 2003).…”