When Meth Addiction Turns Violent

How Meth and Violence are Connected

So how are methamphetamine use and violent behavior connected? Can meth users become more violent just because of the drug?

Scientists collected data from interviews with more than 300 meth users. Is there a demonstrable link between crystal meth and domestic violence? The overall findings suggest that it’s not a guaranteed outcome. More than half of users who reported violent criminal behavior began that behavior before using meth. Therefore, violence may be related to things other than the meth itself.

At the same time, the study also noted that meth use could have existing exaggerated tendencies toward violence. Or, it was attributed to violence through other factors like cravings and paranoia. Based upon this study, a meth user becoming more violent includes additional outside factors.

The study noted that the perceived link between meth and violence might be related to physical or mental health issues and, in meth users, often paranoia. Meth paranoia is another symptom of meth abuse and psychological features such as visual and auditory hallucinations and delusions.

At the same time, earlier violent behavior or other issues before the meth use began significantly predicting violent criminal behavior. The use of other stimulant drugs (such as a crack) was also an indicator of future violence.

Because the study didn’t show meth use by itself to predict future violence, the results recommend an integrative approach toward methamphetamine use and violent behavior. Successful treatment should focus on using multiple treatment methods at the same time.

How To Handle a Violent Meth User

Drug abuse (and sometimes even withdrawal symptoms) can bring out aggressive tendencies that can become very dangerous. The addict and those near the addict are in danger of being hurt by this behavior.
When a meth user becomes aggressive, remain calm and avoid aggression yourself, this may incite the addict to become even more aggressive toward you. You can let the person know that you want to help them. Give the person some physical space so that they don’t feel trapped. If possible, get some items out of the person’s way so they can’t use them aggressively. Use an “open” body stance, “arms open, palms up, head lowered.”

Listen to them and let them know you understand as the person speaks. If the behavior intensifies, give the person a choice to help them feel like they’re still in control. You might say, “When you calm down, we can talk.”

When things calm down and the person is not high or intoxicated anymore, it may be possible to have a calm conversation about what happened.

Let them know you are concerned about them and firmly establish your boundaries. Let them know what kind of behavior is unacceptable.

Also, let them know that they need help, and you will guide them to do so. The truth is that you cannot continue to put up with this type of behavior from them.

If the meth user becomes aggressive with you and strikes you, the best thing you can do is attempt to deescalate the situation by remaining calm. If you feel appropriate, it’s good to contact the authorities and have them come and take the person in for attacking you.

After an incident like this, you may feel angry or depressed yourself. You may feel like you must avoid the person or that you have to calm them down from now on. These are normal emotions at a time like this.

It is good to have a safety plan in place if the aggressive behavior continues. Have a list of telephone numbers you can call to get help or go for help. This would include emergency housing, domestic violence services, medical centers, or even a nearby neighbor or friend.

Find a safe place you or your loved ones can go if needed. Keep important documents, identification, bank details/cards, and your mobile phone to get to them easily if you must leave quickly.

The Truth about Meth and Anger

For certain, we can say that meth use affects the brain, potentially inciting violence, although those violent tendencies may have been present long before the meth was introduced.
Subsequently, meth paranoia is probably more a symptom of meth abuse than the cause of violence. There doesn’t seem to be a study linking meth paranoia and domestic violence rates. But studies of chronic meth users have revealed severe changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion and memory.

Research in primate models reveals that meth alters areas of the brain associated with decision-making. It also hinders the brain’s ability to suppress counterproductive habitual behaviors. So an increase in “bad habits” may also be linked to meth addiction. The changes in brain structure may explain why meth addiction is so difficult to treat.

The good news is that some of the mental effects of meth addiction appear to be partially reversible. Those who begin the addiction recovery process have restored most normal brain functioning. Even those who have used meth for 15+ years can recover, live life, hold down a meaningful job, and ultimately achieve happiness.

A Meth User Shares Her Experience

A former meth user in recovery for over six years sat down to anonymously share her experience with meth and anger with us. 

“At some point in time, the addiction my addiction to meth had to be justified and rationalized. These justifications included blaming others around me and igniting intense, angry feelings. At some points, I was no longer able to control my aggression. I would snap quickly and hurt those around me physically, only to come out of the meth rage shortly after and feel terrible for what I had done to my family members. Unfortunately, this is the nature of meth addiction. Ultimately, it isolates you from everyone you know and loves so that all you have is the drug.”

How to Get Help for Meth Rage

Being addicted to meth is scary. All control is lost, and you feel you’re being directed solely by your meth addiction. Even if you were a person who had emotional intelligence or was laid back and reserved, it could bring out the worst.

If you’re also beginning to have violent outbursts while using meth, you must know that it will only worsen with time if you don’t get help. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way out or answer to resolve meth-induced rage.

The best and only way to truly resolve meth rage is to seek help for your meth addiction. The longer you wait, the worse your life can become. If you have a violent outburst on meth and do something you regret, you could end up in prison.

We hear people doing awful things while high on meth in the news. It’s not too far-fetched to think that it could happen to you if you don’t get help.

Sources

• When Addiction Gets Violent: Get Help And Get Out | Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior (ucla.edu)
• Don’t Blame Amygdala for Meth Users’ Aggression | Psychiatric News (psychiatryonline.org)
• What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine misuse? | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (nih.gov)
• Crystal Meth Inpatient Rehab Treatment Program – A Better Today Recovery Services (abtrs.com)
• What It’s Like When You Can’t Stop Using Meth – Recover Today (abtrs.com)