Despite the increasing scientific evidence showing that there is no direct causal link between alcohol and violence, public beliefs continue to remain adamant that alcohol plays a key role in the influence that alcohol has on violent crimes. What has been scientifically proven though, is that alcohol consumption interferes with the chemicals in our brain, and the more alcohol we consume the more the alcohol interferes with our primary cognitive perceptions. Meaning that once we are intoxicated we begin to focus on smaller parts of situations as we are unable to focus on the situation as a whole, our linguistic and intellectual skills are severely impaired and our memory lacks accuracy. This is just an overview of what it is like to be drunk, and these factors alone risk misunderstandings, overreactions and misinterpretations; possibly triggering crimes of violence (such as child abuse, domestic violence, homicide and assault).
             However, alcohol isn't only blamed for violent crimes, alcohol is often also related to crimes of a sexual nature, aswell as vandalism, hooliganism, and most obviously drink driving.
             A widespread belief among New Zealand crime experts is the idea that alcohol doesn't necessarily cause violence, but it simply causes certain emotions to be felt which are capable of triggering violence.
             Common sentiments felt among those who consume alcohol can include feeling expressive or loud, quiet or withdrawn, happy, excited, amorous, fearless, resentful, relaxed, wound up, energized and confident.
             New Zealand experts view 'confidence' the most important of these sentiments, as it is the confidence we gain from drinking alcohol that gives us the encouragement to do things we usually wouldn't do, say things we usually wouldn't say and behave in ways we wouldn't behave while sober. Whether it is gaining the confidence to socialise to a greater extent than usual or gaining the confid...