Alcohol, Crime, and Public Health: An Overview

Alcohol, Crime, and Public Health, a book by Dorothy Newbury-Birch and Jennifer Ferguson, delves into the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and the criminal justice system. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the issue from both a criminal justice and public health perspective, shedding light on the prevalence of risky drinking amongst individuals in contact with the criminal justice system.

The Prevalence of Risky Drinking in the Criminal Justice System

Research indicates that a significant proportion of prisoners in the UK, approximately 70%, have an alcohol use disorder. This underscores the magnitude of the problem, highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address the issue. The book explores the levels of crime attributed to alcohol, the policy context of alcohol and crime, and the prevalence of risky alcohol consumption in the criminal justice system.

Demographic Analysis of Risky Drinking

The book delves into the specifics of risky drinking patterns amongst different demographic groups within the criminal justice system. Separate chapters focus on men, women, and young people, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for intervention.

Interventions for Risky Drinking

The efficacy of psychosocial interventions for risky drinking in the criminal justice system is a critical aspect of the book. The authors discuss various approaches and strategies that have been employed to address risky drinking, providing insights into what works and what does not.

Future Directions for Research and Practice

The final chapters of the book look forward, outlining potential avenues for future research and collaboration between researchers and practitioners. The authors emphasize the importance of evidence-based approaches to addressing the complex interplay between alcohol, crime, and public health.

Written in an accessible and concise style, Alcohol, Crime, and Public Health is an invaluable resource for students of criminology, criminal justice, and public health, as well as professionals working in the broader area of public and social policy related to alcohol and crime.