Summary
The complex relationships between aggression, violence and substance abuse are discussed. Specific substances described include alcohol, other sedative hypnotics, stimulants, hallucinogens, opioids, phencyclidine, cannabis, and inhalants. Clinical states associated with substance abuse and aggression include intoxication, withdrawal, paranoid/psychotic phenomena, idiosyncratic intoxication, acute and chronic organic mental disorders (deliriums and dementias), and violence secondary to drug-seeking.