Substance Abuse Triggers Aggression: A Threat to Self and Loved Ones
Substance abuse disrupts brain functions, leading to heightened aggression and impulsivity. Prof. Dr. Nesrin Dilbaz explores the biological and social roots of this connection and emphasizes early intervention and comprehensive rehabilitation to break the cycle.
Editors 
Substance Abuse Triggers Aggression: A Threat to Self and Loved Ones
Substance abuse is closely linked to aggression and violent behaviors, according to Professor Nesrin Dilbaz, a leading psychiatrist from NPİSTANBUL Hospital. Highlighting the neurological impact of prolonged substance use, Dr. Dilbaz explains, "Long-term substance use disrupts the brain's prefrontal cortex, impairing essential functions like impulse control, planning, empathy, and judgment. This makes individuals incapable of managing one of humanity's strongest instincts—aggression."
Substance Use and Violence: A Dangerous Connection
Dr. Dilbaz emphasizes that while not all substance users resort to violence, the overlap between addiction and aggression is significant. "In many violent incidents, either the perpetrator or the victim—or sometimes both—are under the influence of drugs or alcohol," she noted. Experimental studies further confirm a causal link between alcohol use and violent behavior, suggesting that certain substances directly contribute to heightened aggression.
Biological Triggers: Low Serotonin and Impaired Brain Function
Aggression and substance use share common biological factors. Dr. Dilbaz explains, "Low serotonin levels are often associated with aggressive behavior. Additionally, substance abuse damages the prefrontal cortex, a brain region responsible for impulse control, empathy, and decision-making. When this area underperforms, individuals lose the ability to regulate their impulses, including aggressive instincts."
She further noted that the inability to empathize or recognize the emotional impact on others exacerbates violent tendencies among substance users.
Childhood Roots of Substance Abuse and Aggression
Dr. Dilbaz warns that the roots of substance abuse often lie in childhood. Risk factors include family issues, neglect, abuse, and a lack of emotional support. "Children exposed to family violence or substance abuse are more likely to develop similar patterns," she said.
Risky behaviors such as impulsivity, low academic performance, and early exposure to destructive habits significantly increase vulnerability. Early intervention and supportive family structures are critical to prevention.
Prevention and Rehabilitation: The Missing Links
To combat substance abuse and its ripple effects, Dr. Dilbaz stresses the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation programs. "Early detection of at-risk youth and targeted educational initiatives can deter substance use," she said. However, she also criticized the current gaps in rehabilitation services:
"Many programs fail to address both addiction and its associated behaviors, such as aggression. Without integrated, professional care, the cycle of substance abuse and violence continues."
Dr. Dilbaz advocates for a holistic approach, combining medical treatment, psychological therapy, and community support to ensure long-term recovery.
Breaking the Cycle: Empowering the Next Generation
Dr. Dilbaz concluded with a call to action: "Strengthening children's self-esteem, fostering emotional intelligence, and providing stable family environments are key to preventing substance abuse. Communities, educators, and healthcare providers must work together to create a supportive framework for at-risk individuals."
