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Violence & Chemical Dependency

The use of certain illegal drugs leads to chemical dependency issues that affect the addict and everyone around them. Some drugs, including methamphetamine, are notorious for causing violence in users. However, the cycle of secretiveness, paranoia and fear inherent in chemical dependency can cause irrational and violent behavior in abusers of any illegal substance.

  1. Domestic Abuse

    • Families beset by domestic abuse, alcohol and abuse of certain drugs play a part in many cases. Certain rugs stimulate paranoia jealousy and fuel anger, so add this to an already bad temper, and it's a dangerous mix. This is where a combination of drug anger and family counseling will address the issue. It's not often to treat one or the other. It's a package deal. In cases where the wife or children are in imminent danger, the authorities should be called. Don't try to handle the situation yourself, or feel that it will just go away if you ignore it.

    Illicit Drug Use And Teens' Behavior

    • Young people between the ages of 12 and 17 who abuse substances commit crimes twice as much as non-drug users, According to statistics compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The more chemically dependent a teen becomes, the likelier he is to engage in violence. When a teen uses three or more illicit drugs, the aptitude for violent behavior increases to 61.9 percent over their chemical-free peers. When an adolescent drug abuser comes from a home background filled with harsh discipline or chemically dependent parents, the predisposition toward violent behavior multiplies.

    PCP

    • Phencyclidine, known on the streets as PCP, causes some of the most destructive behavior of any illicit drug. Its side effects include suicidal tendencies, paranoia and mood swings and hallucinations. Phencyclidine causes some of the most destructive behavior of any illicit drug. Its side effects include suicidal tendencies, paranoia, and mood swings and hallucinations. Originally manufactured as an anesthetic, its legal production was discontinued due to adverse effects, including severe anxiety and delusions. Users who've suffered PCP intoxication are treated with anti-psychotic medications. In some cases, they may become so violent and unpredictable, medical personnel need to use physical restraints.

    Methamphetamine

    • Meth, short for methamphetamine, stimulates the central nervous system. Made from common ingredients found in allergy and cold medications, it causes violent and psychotic behavior after prolonged use. It increases levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. A methamphetamine high lasts up to 14 hours. It produces elation and gives the user excess energy. The effects of this highly addictive man-made drug last long after the chemically dependent person has stopped using it. Fear, paranoia and unusual sexual behavior result from the use of methamphetamine. Meth, along with PCP, causes violent behavior more frequently than other illicit drugs.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Friends and family members should look for symptoms of chemical dependency that precede violent behavior. They include uncharacteristic fears, mood swings, unexplained absences, bloodshot eyes, body tremors and unkempt physical appearance. Securing intervention for a chemically dependent person is much easier before they engage in violent episodes. Once their paranoia or aggression escalates, they may injure themselves or another person or commit crimes. This adds another dimension to treatment and recovery, making the situation more difficult for everyone involved.

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