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Homicides Committed by Abusers of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs

NCJ Number
155853
Journal
British Journal of Addiction Volume: 86 Dated: (1991) Pages: 321-326
Author(s)
P Lindqvist
Date Published
1991
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper investigated 52 abusers of alcohol and 19 abusers of illicit drugs who had committed a homicide in northern Sweden between 1970 and 1981 or in Stockholm between 1971 and 1971.
Abstract
Of the sample, 23 were guilty of murder, 21 of manslaughter, and 27 of assault and causing another's death. The study group was characterized by a high prevalence of personality disorders, alcohol-induced brain damages, and social derangement. Alcohol intoxication during violent acts was seen in all cases of alcohol-abusing offenders. Many victims were abusers themselves, were partners or acquaintances of offenders, and had been drinking together with their killer. Homicides in which the victim seemed to have been the prime aggressor constituted almost half of all instances. Homicides committed by illicit drug abusers were characterized by less intimacy, and offenders were more often considerably younger than their victims. 41 references and 1 table

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