Alcohol and impulsive behavior is genetic
Here's a study that supports the theory that drinking (and be a tangential extension drinking and driving) may not be a choice for some people. If this is the case, it supports what I have argued for years, that people accused of DUI need more support and treatment, and less punishment.
Putting somebody in jail and stripping them of their dignity and their livelihood does not make them less likely to act impulsively and drink and drive in the future. In fact, it likely does just the opposite.
Scientists find genetic link to impulsive behaviour | Latest News: "In humans a blood alcohol level of .08 is produced by the consumption of two drinks an hour by a 120-pound individual or 3 drinks an hour by a 180-pound individual. At that level human concentration and judgment are impaired and all 50 states prohibit operation of a motor vehicle.
‘It is well documented that humans with alcohol problems have impulsivity issues. High impulsivity, when defined as the tendency to choose small instantaneous rewards over larger delayed rewards – like getting drunk instead of going to work for that paycheck in 2 weeks— is more prevalent in alcoholics than in non-alcoholics. Because these mice had never had alcohol, we were able to show that it was the genes that increase drinking, rather than drinking itself, that yielded impulsive behavior,’ said Dr. Grahame.
‘Our data can clearly be extrapolated to humans and strongly suggests that impulsivity contributes to high alcohol drinking. Consequently, the diagnosis of any disorder associated with impulsivity, such as attention deficit disorder or bipolar disorder, is cause for concern about future problems with alcoholism,’ he added"
As a society, we need to respond to the problem of DUI with more love and less judgment. Support and incentive is what quells impulsiveness.
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