Distraction Can Defuse Drunken Violence

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Of course, not everyone becomes aggressive when they drink. "Many people become sleepy and happy," he said. "So, this theory only works for people who already have traits that put them at risk. Alcohol doesn't make you do different things. It just allows what is already inside you to come out -- it just takes the brakes off."

There are identifiable risk factors for aggression and violence, Giancola said. One of the biggest risk factors is people's personal attitude toward violence, he said. "You have some people come into the lab and say, 'Beating my wife and kids is a good thing, because it keeps them in line.' Well, you don't want to give those guys alcohol, because it just allows that belief to come right out."

Additional risk factors include impulsiveness and irritability. "These are two risk factors that you don't want to mix with alcohol," Giancola said.

Giancola believes efforts must be focused on changing people's underlying attitudes about violence and alcohol -- on the one hand, teaching that violence is not an acceptable form of expression, and, on the other hand, not blaming alcohol when inappropriate behavior occurs.

More information

For more information on alcohol and aggression, visit the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.