Violence Associated With Acute Cocaine Use in Patients Admitted to a Medical Emergency Department (From Drugs and Violence: Causes, Correlates, and Consequences, P 44-59, 1990, Mario De La Rosa, Elizabeth Y Lambert, Bernard Gropper, eds. -- See NCJ-128781)

• NCJ Number: 128784
• Author(s): S L Brody
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 16 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services; Superintendent of Documents
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Information from 252 individuals admitted to a hospital emergency department in Atlanta for cocaine-related problems between August 1986 and August 1988 formed the basis of an analysis of the relationship between acute cocaine intoxication and aggression and violent behavior.

Abstract

The 252 individuals included 37 with violent or aggressive behavior associated with acute cocaine intoxication. They included 31 men and 6 women with an average age of 28.2 years. Many had used alcohol, other illicit drugs, or both in addition to cocaine. Their behavior was combative and agitated with symptoms of paranoia and delirium at the time of admission. In addition, they often had serious medical symptoms or complications, including cardiovascular complaints, serious neurological complications, rhabdomyolysis, and respiratory arrest. Findings suggested that the association of acute cocaine intoxication and violent behavior are related to a situation of intense cocaine intoxication. Several potential neurotransmitter mechanisms may link cocaine with violent and aggressive behavior. Further research is recommended. 35 references