Association is not Causation

The article “Association Is Not Causation: Alcohol and Other Drugs Do Not Cause Violence”, by Richard J. Gelles and Mary M. Cavanaugh, describes a series of various studies that analyze whether alcohol and other drugs are the cause for domestic violence. The truth behind the controversy of association is not causation, showed that the cause of domestic violence is not necessarily caused by the use of alcohol and, or other drugs. On many instances, the people involved in a violent act were not under the influence of alcohol or an illicit substance. The use of alcohol or another drug may perhaps trigger violent behavior in some, but it is not always the case for everyone. The use of alcohol and the purpose of it may be different in other cultures.  According to the article, some cultures understand that the purpose of alcohol is to relax the body and mind and they perhaps drink in moderation. In our culture, the purpose doesn't change, but the difference is that often, people do not know how to control themselves. In our society, people abuse alcohol and may become binge drinkers and alcoholics, which may enhance violent behaviors. What I found interesting about this article, is that the researchers found that out of illicit drugs, Amphetamines were more closely associated to violent behaviors. I decided to carry out my own mini research on the different types of amphetamines, because I was not completely sure of their effects. I came to find out that amphetamines include many prescription drugs to treat patients with ADHD. Many of these drugs such as adderall, Benzedrine, and illicit ones like speed, tend to create violent behaviors among users that had been taking the drugs for long periods of time. I have a fourteen year old cousin who has been taking adderall for years now. My aunt says that for about three years he has become short tempered, so this made me think that perhaps there is a slight relationship between the two even if it isn't the direct cause. Many kids suffer from ADHD problems and the parents might not even know the cause of violent behavior in their kids. Knowing so, I believe that the use of such prescription drugs for prolonged periods of time should be something to look into. Kids under these kinds of medication, could possibly grow up to be violent people, therefore I believe that parents should pay close attention to their kids’ behavior. The studies carried out by this article, prove that alcohol and drug use are not the primary cause for domestic violence. In some cases they have found that alcohol may have been involved in a violent crime, but it does not prove that it is the main factor for someone to behave in a violent manner. Not everyone who drinks becomes violent; some just tend to have a violent personality which might be triggered by the use of alcohol and other drugs.