Which Drugs Make You More Aggressive?

It’s extremely difficult to deal with the effects of drugs, and if you or a loved one are discovered to be addicted to a drug, it can shock the household. Many of the most common addictive drugs bring about similar traits in their users, such as stress, anxiety, and aggressive and violent tendencies. The best way to keep you and your family safe is to understand what drugs lead to an increased risk of aggression. With a bit of knowledge, you can be proactive and get the people you care about back on track.

The Link Between Drugs and Aggression

Drugs and violent behavior have been commonly linked for decades, with drugs being responsible for impaired senses, bizarre behavior, and dangerous side effects. Even some drugs that aren’t typically known as violence-inducing can still lead to aggressive behaviors. In addition, drugs are often taken as a means of coping with suppressed feelings of pain and hurt, which often leads to dangerous outbursts. While drugs don’t always lead to increased aggression, it certainly plays a huge role in limiting the barriers one may have to engage in these acts.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the most common drug people associate aggression with, as cocaine and methamphetamines are at the top of the list. In addition to cocaine, bath salts and spice (or synthetic marijuana) are also considered stimulants that lead to aggressive behavior.

Cocaine changes the levels of the brain’s neurotransmitters, which leads to the unpredictable behavior one may see in a drug abuser. Cocaine also affects the limbic system, which controls your emotions, decision-making, and judgment. These side effects of cocaine abuse combine to make cocaine one of the most dangerous drugs on the market, but it isn’t alone.

While violence is not an inevitable consequence of abusing methamphetamines, it is a very likely result. Given that these drugs are in nature prone to long-term abuse, they allow for more instances of flare-ups and violent behavior. In addition to the aggression while on these drugs, it’s also important to note the withdrawal effects. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

Restlessness
Agitation
Exhaustion
Trouble Sleeping
Depression
Delayed Thinking

These symptoms combine to create an environment that makes stimulants some of the most aggression-inducing drugs, and you must take steps to address stimulant addictions ASAP.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens like PCP, marijuana, and ecstasy may not be the drugs immediately thought of when anticipating violent tendencies, but they can play a major role in this outcome. These drugs cause people to lose their sense of reality, leading to riskier decisions.

PCP and LSD have commonly caused aggression due to unsightly hallucinations. Patients have reported suffering panic attacks after taking ecstasy, even though it’s mostly known as a harmless party drug. Even marijuana, while typically known as a drug for laid-back and calm individuals, can have dangerous and aggressive effects. Potent strains with high THC content can lead to psychoactive impacts that can easily turn aggressive. Either way, one should be extremely cautious around people who are addicted or exhibiting addictive tendencies to these aggression-inducing substances.

Prevent Drug-Induced Aggression With a Drug Addiction Rehab Program

Fortunately, solutions are aplenty for those suffering from drug addictions and violent tendencies that affect those around them. With help from Step to Recovery’s drug addiction rehab programs, you or a loved one can get the help you need to avoid violent outbursts that cause harm to others. If you are seeking treatment, call Steps to Recovery today at 866-488-8684.