A. Allan et al., Intoxication, criminal offences and suicide attempts in a group of South African problem drinkers, S AFR MED J, 91(2), 2001, pp. 145-150
Background. Incidence rates of crime and alcohol abuse in South Africa are
unacceptably high. Research suggests a relationship between alcohol and bot
h crime and suicide. This study aims to add to the information base on this
topic in South Africa.
Methods. This is a cross-sectional record study of criminal offences and su
icide attempts in 269 admissions to an alcohol-rehabilitation unit in-the W
estern Cape. Types of criminal offences and suicide attempts are described.
Relationships are sought between crime, violent crime and suicide attempts
on the one hand, and demographic and alcohol-related variables on the Othe
r.
Results. One hundred and four subjects (39%) had criminal convictions, the
majority of which were committed while 'the subjects were intoxicated. The
commonest alcohol related crimes were driving-related (17% of subjects)and
crimes of violence (15%). Male gender, younger age at initiation of drinkin
g, and earlier onset of problem drinking were significantly associated with
criminal behaviour. Violent crime was associated with earlier onset of ini
tial, regular:and problem drinking, and maternal alcohol abuse. suicide att
empts (24% of subjects) were associated with female gender, white racial gr
oup,not being in a marital relationship,younger current age and early age o
f problem drinking.
Conclusions. There was an association between intoxication and both violent
crime and suicide attempts. The importance of population studies and the n
eed for intervention programmes aimed at teenagers who are drinking, are em
phasised.