Crimes of violence and alcohol abuse in Sweden

Abstract

Of 793 offenders submitted to forensic psychiatric examination in 1972-1976, 44% were guilty of crimes of violence against persons. Among them, 68% were drunk when committing their crime; for nonviolent offenders this percentage was 38. Psychotic assailants stood apart as mostly sober. While Swedish and United States drinking patterns are similar, the homicide rate in Sweden is about one-tenth that in the United States. The possible cause-effect relationship between alcohol abuse and assaultive behavior is complex. A common basis could be found in personal and interpersonal distress rather than in socioeconomic and educational shortcomings.