Many people wonder why some individuals act aggressively or even violently after using certain drugs. If you are searching for clear answers about “what drugs make you violent,” it is important to understand that some substances can change the way the brain works, leading to sudden mood swings, loss of control, or even dangerous outbursts. But becoming violent due to drug use is not always a universal reaction to taking certain drugs.
Understanding the possible effects of different drugs can help people see the possible links between substance use and violent behavior. At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, we approach substance abuse with scientific understanding and compassion. We work to help individuals learn how drugs affect not just the body, but also emotions and actions.
Drugs That Have the Potential to Incite Violence
Substance-induced aggression happens when a person acts angry, aggressive, or violent because of the direct effects of drugs or alcohol on the brain. This isn’t just about someone’s personality — it’s triggered by changes in brain chemistry caused by certain substances.
Drugs that can make a person violent work by changing the balance of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. These chemicals control how a person thinks, feels, and acts. Some drugs increase dopamine or reduce serotonin, which can make a person more impulsive or irritable. Others can suppress the parts of the brain that normally help control anger and stop reckless actions.
In general, drugs that have the potential to incite violence fall into three categories:
- Stimulants like methamphetamine or cocaine: Speed up brain activity, possibly making people more inclined to feel paranoid or threatened.
- Depressants like alcohol: Don’t directly cause aggression but lower inhibitions, meaning the brain’s “brakes” on risky or antisocial behavior are weaker.
- Drugs to which someone has a bad Individual response: Genetics, mental health, past trauma, and stress levels affect how someone responds to a drug.
Assaults and domestic violence can frequently involve the use of drugs or alcohol. It’s important to know the potential effects of different substances before use, and have contingency plans in place if a substance makes someone act or feel in an unexpected way.
How Alcohol Can Intensify Violent Behavior
Alcohol is the substance most closely linked to aggressive and violent behavior. When people ask “what drug makes you angry,” alcohol often tops the list because of how it affects the brain and body.
Alcohol mainly works by reducing activity in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for decision-making and self-control. With these controls weakened, a person may be more likely to act on anger or frustration. Alcohol also makes it harder to interpret social cues, so ordinary interactions sometimes seem threatening or disrespectful.
The relationship between alcohol and aggression is dose-dependent. Low to moderate amounts lower inhibitions, leading to riskier or more impulsive actions. High levels of intoxication further impair judgment and physical control, making violent outbursts more likely.
Why Stimulants Make You Aggressive
Stimulants are drugs that tend to increase alertness, energy, and focus in most people. When people wonder “what drugs make you aggressive,” stimulants like methamphetamine, cocaine, and certain prescription amphetamines frequently come up in research. Methamphetamine and cocaine are the two stimulants most often associated with aggressive behavior. These drugs may make users feel powerful, energetic, or invincible as a result of increasing certain neurotransmitters. At higher doses, the risk of aggression and violent outbursts can increase due to overstimulation of the nervous system.
Stimulants flood your brain with dopamine and adrenaline. Dopamine is linked to pleasure and motivation, while adrenaline triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response. Stimulant-induced psychosis can include hallucinations, delusions, and increased potential toward irritability.
Warning signs of stimulant-induced psychosis include hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, intense fear, confusion, and inability to organize thoughts. When paranoia takes over, a person might misinterpret harmless events as threats, which can then lead to sudden and unpredictable aggression.
Prescription Medications That May Increase Aggression
Some prescription medications can cause increased anger or aggression in certain people, even when taken exactly as prescribed. Two groups most often linked to these reactions are SSRIs and benzodiazepines.
SSRIs are medications commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety, including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). Some SSRIs are associated with violent or aggressive behaviors, especially during the first weeks of treatment. These reactions are called “paradoxical” because SSRIs are designed to stabilize mood but may have the opposite effect in a small number of people. Young people, especially adolescents and young adults, may be at higher risk for mood changes when starting SSRIs.
Benzodiazepine medications like alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), and clonazepam (Klonopin) are prescribed for anxiety and insomnia. Some people experience a paradoxical reaction, meaning instead of feeling calmer, they feel more agitated or aggressive.
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines can also trigger anger and aggression. When someone who has been taking these medications regularly stops suddenly, the brain’s chemical balance changes. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms that can include aggressive behavior.
Other Substances Linked to Aggression
Many other substances are connected to sudden anger or aggressive outbursts. These effects depend on how each drug interacts with the individual person’s brain and individual differences in how you respond.
- Synthetic cannabinoids (“Spice” or “K2”): Unlike natural cannabis, these manufactured chemicals can cause a person to feel anxious, paranoid, or aggressive with unpredictable effects.
- Anabolic steroids: Change hormone levels in your brain, leading to mood swings, irritability, or “roid rage” (episodes of intense anger that increase with higher doses of steroids).
- Bath salts (synthetic cathinones): These Schedule I substances have been consistently linked to a high risk of violent behavior, paranoia, and psychosis.
- Opioid withdrawal: Irritability and outbursts of anger may occur when a person’s body is dependent on opioids and use is suddenly stopped.
Risk Factors for Drug-Induced Violence
Several factors can increase the likelihood that someone will act aggressively when using substances.
Co-occurring mental health disorders like antisocial personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia can make a person more likely to act aggressively when using drugs or alcohol. These conditions already feature challenges with managing impulses or emotions, which substances can intensify—highlighting the importance of seeking professional dual diagnosis treatment.
Environmental and social triggers can also play a significant role. High-stress environments like crowded parties or chaotic households can increase the chance of aggressive behavior while under the influence. If a person is surrounded by others who model or encourage aggressive behavior, a person may be more likely to act similarly.
Treatment for Substance-Induced Aggression
When someone is dealing with substance use and violent behavior, treatment can help address both physical changes from substances and the habits or emotions that drive aggression.
Medical detox with supervision is important, especially for people who have shown aggression. Withdrawal from substances like alcohol, stimulants, or benzodiazepines can increase irritability and aggression. Trained medical staff monitor for these symptoms and help to keep the surrounding environment safe.
Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help people recognize patterns in their thoughts, feelings, and actions. In CBT, individuals work with therapists to discover what triggers their anger-based reactions and practice different ways of handling stress. Trauma-informed care helps to address how past difficult experiences can contribute to current aggression or substance use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug-Induced Violence
Yes, some prescription medications including certain SSRIs and benzodiazepines have the potential to cause increased aggression or irritability in a small percentage of people. This is a risk particularly during the first weeks of treatment or dose changes.
No, methamphetamine doesn’t always cause violence. But it can significantly increase the risk of aggressive behavior, especially at higher doses or with repeated use. This is due to its effects on dopamine and potential to cause paranoia.
Yes, alcohol withdrawal can cause irritability, agitation, and aggressive behavior as the brain adjusts to functioning without the substance. Symptoms typically last several days to a week.
Yes. Synthetic cannabinoids have a much higher risk of causing agitation, paranoia, and violent behavior compared to natural cannabis. Their chemical makeup is unpredictable and often potent, and there is no central body of oversight ensuring that all products are consistent in dosing and/or contents.
Take the Next Step to Recovery at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery
Substances like alcohol, stimulants, synthetic drugs, and certain prescription medications can trigger aggressive and violent behavior by altering brain chemistry and reducing impulse control. These effects vary between individuals, and factors like mental health disorders or environmental stressors can increase the risk.
Recovery from both substance use and aggressive behavior is possible when treatment addresses the physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of each person’s situation. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery offers specialized programs for men experiencing challenges related to substance use, anger, behavioral issues, and more.
We’re not here to judge, just help you build a better and more fulfilled life. For more information, contact Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery to start your recovery journey.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
