"Violence associated with psychoactive substance use has long been recognized as a contributing factor in assaults and homicides. Although doctors can't diagnose a person whom they haven't personally evaluated, psychiatrists can identify substances that have been used to promote violence and also those that individuals with volatile or violent behavior histories should avoid. The strongest and most reproducible association with partner or interpersonal violence is alcohol. In addition, stimulants like cocaine (often with alcohol) and methamphetamine have been attributed to violent crimes."
"Studies of assaults, homicides, and emergency department injuries repeatedly demonstrate that a substantial portion of violent incidents involve acute alcohol intoxication in the perpetrator, the victim, or both. Alcohol's psychopharmacologic effects, like disinhibition, impaired executive control, emotional lability, and heightened reactivity to perceived insults, combine with reductions in the risk/benefit analysis of consequences, facilitating escalation from conflict to physical violence."
"Methamphetamine users are sometimes called "tweakers" because of meth-induced agitation, insomnia, quirky speech, and repetitive behaviors. In past amphetamine subcultures, meth users were also called "cranksters," a slang term describing irritable moods. David Smith, M.D., the founder of the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinics, described the end of the 1968 "Summer of Love" with cannabis and psychedelics. Smith famously argued that "speed kills," and attributed to methamphetamine use the collapse of the Summer of Lov"
Violence associated with psychoactive substance use contributes to assaults and homicides. Psychiatrists can identify substances that promote violence and advise individuals with volatile or violent histories to avoid certain drugs. Alcohol shows the strongest and most reproducible association with partner and interpersonal violence. Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine are also linked to violent crimes, often in combination with alcohol. Studies of assaults, homicides, and emergency department injuries repeatedly show that many violent incidents involve acute alcohol intoxication in perpetrators, victims, or both. Alcohol’s psychopharmacologic effects reduce risk appraisal and facilitate escalation to physical violence. Methamphetamine use produces agitation, insomnia, repetitive behaviors, and irritability, and has been blamed for ending the 1968 "Summer of Love."
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