Alcohol and its relationship to offence variables in a cohort of offenders with intellectual disability. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lindsay, William R.; Carson, Derek; Holland, Anthony J.; Taylor, John L.; O'Brien, Gregory; Wheeler, Jessica R.; Steptoe, Lesley
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual & developmental disability. Volume 38:Number 4(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 325
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; 362.1968
• DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2013.837154
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-8250

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Background</italic> Alcohol use and misuse may be lower in people with intellectual disability (ID) than in the general population but may be related to offending.</p> <p> <italic>Method</italic> Alcohol-related crime and history of alcohol use was recorded in 477 participants with ID referred to forensic ID services and related to offending.</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic> Level of alcohol-related crime and history of alcohol misuse was lower than in some previous studies at 5.9% and 20.8%, respectively. History of alcohol abuse was associated with alcohol-related offences and theft. Higher rates of alcohol problem history were associated with histories of a number of offences, psychiatric disturbance in adulthood, psychiatric disturbance in childhood, and experiences of childhood adversity. Most effect sizes were weak or moderate.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic> The convergence of childhood adversity, psychiatric problems in childhood and adulthood, and alcohol abuse is consistent with studies that have found these as risk markers for offending.</p> </abstract>