Title: A Review of Legislation Restricting the Intersection of Firearms and Alcohol in the U.S.

Publication Date: September 2010

What does it say?

Almost half of all states have no restrictions on ownership, possession, or use of a firearm while intoxicated.  Research has demonstrated that alcohol use detracts from automobile driving performance.  This research under girds restrictions on driving while intoxicated.  Similar research related to firearm use while under the influence of alcohol may identify policies and practices to reduce the unsafe use of firearms. 

How can I use it?

Federal law prohibits firearm possession by addicted or unlawful users of controlled substances in recognition that they are high-risk users of guns.  Given that research shows that people who report they sometimes drink more than they should are the most likely to carry a gun and that 91% of the public supports making it illegal to use guns while under the influence of alcohol, more research and policy development is needed to address the impact of alcohol use on the ability to safely handle a firearm.

Citation

Carr, Brendan, Gali Porat, Douglas Wiebe, and Charlies Branas, “A Review of Legislation Restricting the Intersection of Firearms and Alcohol in the U.S.,” Public Health Reports, 125 (September 2010):674-679

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