Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can have a number of adverse effects on physical and mental health, as well as affecting your behaviour.
But does cocaine make you aggressive? Find out more in this article.
Understanding Cocaine and Its Effects on the Brain
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that is derived from the plants of the coca plant. It is generally snorted but can also be swallowed or injected. Some derived forms (crack cocaine and freebase cocaine) can also be smoked.
The drug largely affects the limbic system of the brain. This is a network of interconnected areas that regulate pleasure and motivation and using cocaine can cause a flood of the ‘feel good’ chemical dopamine, as well as serotonin and norepinephrine.
Cocaine use in the short term is known to produce a ‘rush’ of euphoria, energy and confidence. On the face of it, the ‘happy’ effects of cocaine might not seem to be ones linked to aggression, but increased confidence, energy and a lowering of impulse control can all contribute to aggressive feelings. Long-term use can also have a number of effects on behaviour.
Does Cocaine Make You Aggressive?
Using cocaine can affect decision-making, confidence and energy levels, all of which can lead to confrontational behaviour, aggression and even violence. Cocaine may also be used with other substances, such as alcohol, which can amplify these effects.
Cocaine use can also lead to cocaine hangovers or comedowns, which can cause mood swings. Long-term use can affect the way the brain functions, as well as contribute to issues like problems with money, work and relationships.
A number of studies have found links between cocaine use and aggressive or violent behaviour.
Short-Term Aggressive Behaviour Associated with Cocaine Use
Some of the short-term effects of cocaine use that could cause aggressive behaviour include:
- Increased confidence and risk-taking: Cocaine acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system. This has a number of potential effects, including increased energy, confidence and risk-taking, which could lead to confrontational behaviour.
- Emotional instability: Rapid mood swings can contribute to outbursts of anger. Mood swings can occur when using the drug but also during the comedown period.
- Paranoia and psychosis: Cocaine use can cause paranoia, especially when taken in high doses or with regular use. In more extreme cases, it can also trigger psychotic episodes.
Long-Term Effects of Cocaine on Aggression and Behaviour
Chronic cocaine use can lead to worsening aggression over time. There is a link between repeated cocaine use and psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, paranoia, and delusional thinking, all of which can lead to aggressive behaviour.
Prolonged stimulant use can also cause damage to impulse control, reward and pleasure-related mechanisms in the brain. Changes to the reward system can make it more difficult to experience pleasure from anything other than cocaine. The extended amygdala, which is linked to feelings such as anxiety and irritability, can become sensitive from repeated use of stimulants. The prefrontal cortex can also be affected, reducing long-term impulse control.
In general terms, long-term substance misuse and addiction can also contribute to a number of other problems, including money problems, guilt and relationship issues, which could lead to aggressive behaviour or incidents of lashing out. Cocaine use can also lead to involvement in criminal settings and behaviours – both to finance and obtain the drug.
Cocaine and Violent Behaviour: What Does the Research Say?
The links between cocaine and violent behaviour have been explored in a number of observational studies.
One such study found that cocaine usage in nightlife settings in a number of European countries more than doubled the risk of involvement in violence among males aged 16 to 35. Another linked violence and cocaine use among young holidaymakers from the UK, Germany and Spain.
Yet another study that aimed to identify pharmacological mechanisms behind cocaine-related aggression noted that these behaviours could range from ‘minor psychological aggressions’ to ‘major physical acts’. It suggested that one possible explanation is that cocaine acts in those areas of the brain, particularly the limbic system, that promote aggressive and violent behaviours.
Why Do Some Cocaine Users Experience Aggression While Others Do Not?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to cocaine-related aggression. Individual brain chemistry and any pre-existing mental health conditions can have a bearing on the impact of cocaine use beyond its stimulant effect on the central nervous system.
Factors like dosage, frequency of use and whether the cocaine is used in combination with other substances, such as alcohol, can also influence aggression levels. Environmental and social factors can also influence aggression.
Cocaine Addiction, Aggression, and Relationship Struggles
The link between cocaine and anger issues is well established. A UK police scheme that involved the routine drug testing of individuals arrested for domestic abuse offences found high levels of cocaine use.
The link between cocaine and mood swings is one potential reason, but long-term cocaine use can also put many different types of strain on relationships. Substance misuse and addiction are often linked to secrecy, lying and defensiveness that can tip into anger. It can cause money troubles and arguments, potentially leading to rifts and confrontations with family members, partners, friends and even colleagues.
Seeking Help for Cocaine Addiction and Aggressive Behaviour
Cocaine is highly addictive, and it is extremely difficult to deal with a cocaine usage problem without expert help. Professional treatment is essential for individuals struggling with cocaine use and aggression, and rehab programmes can offer therapy for both addiction and anger management. At Cassiobury Court, we can provide holistic treatment, including supervised detox, therapy and relapse prevention strategies.
Cocaine can cause great harm, not only to your own physical and mental health but also to those around you through cocaine-related aggressive behaviours.
If you are worried about your own cocaine use or that of a loved one, get in touch today to find out how we can help.
