Alcohol abuse and psychopathy continue to be associated with violent crime. In this study, 128 incarcerated alcoholic offenders (64 men and 64 women) were categorized as psychopaths or nonpsychopaths using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R), and comparisons were made regarding violence, alcohol use, and alcohol use in relation to violent crime. Qualitative and quantitative results are reported. Qualitative analysis found that psychopathic alcoholics (a) react violently to less provocation, (b) display a lack of emotion for their victim, (c) report increased self-esteem following violence, (d) indicate a lack of remorse, and (e) use alcohol as an excuse for violence less often. Quantitative analysis found that although psychopathic alcoholics committed more violent crimes and were more alcohol dependent, they used alcohol less frequently when causing serious injury (medical attention or death) to their victims. Theoretical and treatment implications are discussed.
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