NCJ Number
150506
Journal
Journal of Studies on Alcohol Issue: 11 Dated: (1993) Pages: 78,80,82,84,86,88
Date Published
1993
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Research on the relationship between alcohol, drugs, and aggression indicates that alcohol is a potent antecedent of aggressive behavior.
Abstract
Studies at Kent State University in Ohio demonstrate that aggressive behavior is related to the quantity of alcohol ingested and that the effect of social pressure to regress and of intense provocation is enhanced by alcohol. Research also shows that the instigating effect of alcohol depends on the consumer's disposition, that the aggressive behavior of an intoxicated person can be regulated by altering cues that affect cognitive processes, and that various depressants increase aggressive responses. While marijuana and amphetamines do not appear to increase aggression, ethanol, morphine, and diazepam may heighten physical aggression. In general, studies indicate that drugs with depressant characteristics may be most likely to facilitate aggressive behavior. A hypothetical model is described that summarizes experimental findings and provides a vehicle for discussing major factors and psychological processes involved in alcohol-induced aggression. 9 references