The metabolism of androgenic anabolic steroids has been studied in the racing greyhound. Various drug preparations have been investigated utilising different derivatisation techniques, coupled with gas chromatographic analysis, to enable the identification of key metabolites in canine post administration samples. This has led to an increased understanding of some of the generic routes of steroid metabolism that take place in the greyhound. This valuable information can help to support metabolism studies in the future. The identification of specific metabolites for each compound investigated, has provided a means for controlling the misuse of these compounds, and contributed valuable enhancements to screening protocols utilised in the canine sports drug testing industry. Utilisation of the techniques described, resulted in the identification of specific major metabolites of the anabolic steroid methyltestosterone, namely 17??-methyl-5??- androstan-3??-17??-diol and 17??-methyl-5??-androstan-3??,16??,17??-triol. 16??- hydroxylation was shown to be a major phase I metabolic pathway in the canine along with phase II conjugation with glucuronic acid. Similar results were obtained during the metabolism study of the progestatgenic steroid norethisterone. Several di- and trihydroxy metabolites were detected in the glucuronic acid fraction of the post administration urines from this study. The norethisterone metabolism study also provided some insight, into the area of trace contaminants of pharmaceutical preparations. Low levels of nandrolone metabolites were also detected in the norethisterone post administration urine samples, leading to the discovery that the administered pharmaceutical tablets contained small quantities of nandrolone and 19- norandrostenedione, albeit below FDA approved contaminant levels. Modern methods of drug screening employ such highly sensitive techniques, that they allow for the detection of metabolites of such trace contaminants, following administration of the drug preparation to the greyhound. It is therefore important to have a broad understanding of the metabolism of various drug preparations, both banned and permitted substances alike; as detection of a trace amount of a banned substance metabolite, arising from the administration of a permitted medication, whose iii metabolite profile is unknown, and therefore potentially not detected, could present an interesting case. In conjunction with research into controlling the use of banned substances for the purposes of suppressing oestrus in the greyhound bitch, an investigation into normal/reference levels of endogenous hormones has been carried out. The endogenous steroid levels in a population of 212 greyhound bitches have been studied with a view to establishing a method for the detection of the exogenous administration of the endogenous anabolic steroid testosterone. The major urinary metabolites investigated were epiandrosterone, 5??-androstane-3??,17??-diol and 5??-androstane-3??,17??-diol. Statistical evaluations have been carried out to support the implementation of a suitable threshold for the key testosterone metabolites, namely 5??-androstane-3??,17??-diol and epiandrosterone. The detection of 5??-androstane-3??,17??-diol was found to be a very good indicator of the exogenous administration of testosterone to the greyhound bitch, when compared with the reference population data for this metabolite. However, further statistical/analytical data evaluation was deemed necessary before an absolute threshold could be implemented for this analyte, for the purposes of controlling the misuse of testosterone in the racing greyhound bitch. To support the understanding of endogenous steroid levels in the female greyhound, yet further, the endogenous reproductive steroid profiles were measured throughout the entire oestrus cycle of a cohort of 33 racing bitches. The results of the study clearly indicate a surge in androgen metabolites during the first 7-10 days of the oestrus cycle, in particular epiandrosterone and 5??-androstane-3??,17??-diol. This unique set of data has provided detailed information regarding the fluctuating concentrations of androgen and progesterone metabolites (following ovulation), at key stages of the canine oestrus cycle. The information obtained from this research can be used to support regulatory decisions regarding the misuse of testosterone in the racing greyhound bitch.

Young female rats treated with trenbolone demonstrated an increase in weight gain per day and overall weight increase during the treatment period. Trenbolone treated rats also experienced improved feed efficiency. Muscles removed from the lower hind limb of trenbolone treated rats had a greater DNA to protein ratio than muscles from control animals. However, there was no significant difference in wet muscle weight between trenbolone treated and control muscles. Satellite cells from untreated female rats were not responsive to trenbolone added in vitro. In studies utilizing serum free medium, trenbolone alone, and in the presence of growth factors, could not stimulate proliferation above controls. In similar serum free medium studies, satellite cells from trenbolone treated rats were more responsive to growth factors than cells from control rats.

A popularização do treinamento resistido associada a busca pelo corpo perfeito traz consigo uma maior procura por recursos anabolizantes por atletas e amadores. A utilização de anabolizantes geralmente ocorre em associação com outras substâncias, o que pode agravar os seus efeitos colaterais. Apesar de haver vários estudos abordando os efeitos colaterais do decanoato de nandrolona, pouco se conhece sobre a sua associação com treinamento resistido e Lepidium meyenii. Objetivo: avaliar o efeito do treinamento resistido associado a decanoato de nandrolona e Lepidium meyenni (Maca) sob o peso corporal, parâmetros comportamentais e hepáticos em ratos wistar. Para isso, foi aplicado um modelo experimental com 60 ratos adultos, divididos em cinco grupos: controle sedentário (SC), treinamento resistido (ST), decanoato de nandrolona sedentário (ND), Lepidium meyenii sedentário (LM) e treinamento resistido decanoato de nandrolona e Lepidium meyenii (STNL). O protocolo de treinamento resistido consta de 3 séries com 10 repetições com 80% 1RM e teve duração de 5 semanas, com freqüência de 3 vezes por semana no aparato proposto por Tamaki et al. (1992). O decanoato de nandrolona intramuscular na dose de 18mg/kg/semana e Lepidium meyenii na dose de 450 mg/kg/semana foi administrado por gavagem. Ao término do treinamento, foram realizados os seguintes testes comportamentais: Labirinto em Cruz Elevado (Plus-Maze), Reconhecimento de Objeto e Residente-Intruso. Para avaliação hepática foram realizadas as seguintes análises bioquímicas: alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), fosfatase alcalina (FA) e gama glutamiltransferase (GGT). Foram observado efeitos positivos da administração de decanoato de nandrolona, Lepidium meyenii e treinamento resistido sob o peso (SC 490,0 g ± 2,9 g; ST 450,0 g ± 1,3 g; ND 410 g ± 1,0 g; LM 430 g ± 1,4 g e STNL 390 g ± 0,7 g). Os testes comportamentais apresentaram alterações em um ou mais grupos para os parâmetros de agressividade, ansiedade e memória. No Labirinto em Cruz Elevado encontrou-se menor número de entradas no braços abertos do grupo ST (SC 2,50 ± 0,62; ST 1,42 ± 0,26; ND 1,58 ± 0,39; LM 1,57 ± 0,33 e STNL 1,58 ± 0,19), menor número de entradas nos braços fechados nos grupos ST e STNL (SC 6,13 ± 0,93; ST 2,75 ± 0,67; ND 3,25 ± 0,52; LM 4,17 ± 0,45 e STNL 2,33 ± 0,33) e menor tempo de permanência no grupo ST (SC 42,88 s ± 13,88 s; ST 17,67 s ± 70 s; ND 28,50 s ± 12,50 s; LM 20,42 s ± 5,8 s e STNL 34,25 s ± 15,24 s). No teste residente intruso observou-se menor número de ataques nos grupos ST e LM (SC 9,13 ± 2,31; ST 6,00 ± 1,38; ND 8,50 ± 1,25; LM 5,75 ± 1,01 e STNL 8,75 ± 1,46). No teste para memória verificou-se menor índice de reconhecimento de objeto nos grupos ND e LM (SC 0,27 ± 0,20; ST 0,01 ± 0,20; ND -0,35 ± 0,16; LM -0,23 ± 0,16 e STNL -0,23 ± 0,21). Apesar de não terem sido encontradas variações significativas nas análises bioquímicas (AST, ALT, FAL e GGT), houve uma diminuição significativa no peso do fígado nos grupos ND e STNL, (SC 14,4 g ± 0,4 g; ST 14,62 g ± 1,0 g; ND 11,61 g ± 04 g; LM 13,7 g ± 0,5 g e STNL 11,82 g ± 0,5 g), sugerindo lesão hepática. Com base nestes resultados não recomenda-se o uso de esteróides anabolizantes ou a sua associação com Lepidium meyenii. / The popularization of strength training associated with the search for the perfect body increases the demand for anabolic resources for athletes and amateurs. The use of anabolic steroids often occurs in combination with other substances, which may worsen the side effects. Although there are several studies addressing the side effects of nandrolone decanoate, little is known about its association with strength training and Lepidium meyenii. This study aims to evaluate the effect of strength training associated with nandrolone decanoate and Lepidium meyenni (Maca) on body mass, behavioral and liver parameter in Wistar rats. For this, an experimental model was applied to 60 adult rats were divided into five groups: sedentary control (SC), strength training (ST), nandrolone decanoate sedentary (ND), Lepidium meyenii sedentary (LM) and strength training, nandrolone decanoate and Lepidium meyenii (STNL). The strength training protocol consist of 3 series 10 repetitions 80% 1RM and was performed three times a week for five weeks in the apparatus proposed by Tamaki et al. (1992). The nandrolone decanoate intramuscular injection at a dose of 18 mg/kg/week and Lepidium meyenii at 450 mg/kg/week was administered by gavage. At the end of training, the following behavioral tests were performed: Plus-Maze Test, Object Recognition Test and Resident-Intruder. For liver evaluation were made biochemical analysis: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT). It was observed positive effects of administration of nandrolone decanoate, Lepidium meyenii and strength training on body mass (SC 490,0 g ± 2,9 g; ST 450,0 g ± 1,3 g; ND 410 g ± 1,0 g; LM 430 g ± 1,4g and STNL 390 g ± 0,7 g). Behavioral tests showed alterations at one or more groups for the aggressiveness parameters, anxiety and memory. In the Plus-Maze Test it found smaller number of entries in the open arms in ST group (SC 2,50 ± 0,62; ST 1,42 ± 0,26; ND 1,58 ± 0,39; LM 1,57 ± 0,33 and STNL 1,58 ± 0,19), smaller number of entries in ST e STNL groups (SC 6,13 ± 0,93; ST 2,75 ± 0,67; ND 3,25 ± 0,52; LM 4,17 ± 0,45 and STNL 2,33 ± 0,33) and shorter permanence in the open arms in ST group (SC 42,88 s ± 13,88 s; ST 17,67 s ± 70 s; ND 28,50 s ± 12,50 s; LM 20,42 s ± 5,8 s and STNL 34,25 s ± 15,24 s). In the Resident Intruder it was observed smaller number of attacks in ST and LM groups (SC 9,13 ± 2,31; ST 6,00 ± 1,38; ND 8,50 ± 1,25; LM 5,75 ± 1,01 and STNL 8,75 ± 1,46). In the Object Recognition Test it was verified lower object recognition índex in ND and LM groups (SC 0,27 ± 0,20; ST 0,01 ± 0,20; ND - 0,35 ± 0,16; LM -0,23 ± 0,16 e STNL -0,23 ± 0,21). Despite not having been found significant variations in biochemical analysis (AST, ALT, FAL and GGT), there was a significant decrease in liver weight in ND and STNL groups (SC 14,4 g ± 0,4 g; ST 14,62 g ± 1,0 g; ND 11,61 g ± 04 g; LM 13,7 g ± 0,5 g e STNL 11,82 g ± 0,5 g)., suggesting liver damage. Based on these results, the use of anabolic steroids is not recommended, as well as its association with Lepidium meyenii.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease which affects the joint structures leading to disability. Studies in the last 20 years have documented the increased prevalence of knee pain and symptomatic knee OA. Similarly, of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders OA is the most common. Lysyl oxidase like-2 (LOXL2) is a copper-dependent amine oxidase. previous studies showed that LOXL2 is elevated during mouse fracture healing. Our hypothesis that LOXL2 acts as a specific anabolic factor in chondrocytes METHODS: The activity of LOXL2 in human articular and TMJ chondrocytes was assessed by cell-based assays and RT-qPCR, and LOXL2-mediated activation of NF-κB and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) signaling pathways was measured by western blotting. To examine LOXL2-induced effect in vivo, we implanted Matrigel-imbedded human chondrocytes into nude mice and exposed them to exogenous LOXL2 for 6 weeks. We also examined if LOXL2 induces the proliferation of OA chondrocytes. RESULTS: LOXL2 staining was detected in damaged regions of human TMJ, hip and knee joints affected by OA. Stimulation with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 upregulated LOXL2 expression, while pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α downregulated LOXL2, in human chondrocytes. LOXL2 expression also inhibited IL-1β-induced phospho-NF-κB/p65 and TGF-β1-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Matrigel constructs of human chondrocytes from the knee joint and TMJ implanted in nude mice showed anabolic responses after LOXL2 transduction, including increased expression of SOX9, ACAN, and COL2A1. We have found that LOXL2 does not induce the proliferation of human TMJ or knee OA chondrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that LOXL2 induces differentiation and attenuates OA related catabolic signaling pathways.

Orientador: Oduvaldo Câmara Marques Pereira / Banca: Débora Cristina Damasceno / Banca: Maeli Dal Pai Silva / Banca: Daniela Cristina Ceccatto Gerardin / Banca: Patrícia Carvalho Garcia / Resumo: Considerando-se a importância do exercício físico para a prevenção de problemas na saúde de indivíduos adultos e idosos associada à procura pela melhor forma de se exercitar, tem aumentado a busca por ergogênicos nos dias de hoje. Assim, os ergogênicos têm sido apontados como as principais substâncias utilizadas em tratamentos para o retardo da velhice e prevenção de doenças como enfarte e osteoporose. Porém pouco se sabe sobre o melhor método para estes tratamentos. Logo, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar os efeitos produzidos pelo treinamento resistido de alta intensidade e/ou tratamento com decanoato de nandrolona (anabolizante esteróide) sobre os aspectos sociais e reprodutivos, e à resistência mecânica do fêmur em ratos machos. Os ratos foram divididos em seis grupos experimentais: controle não treinado, controle treinado, anabolizante treinado, anabolizante não treinado, controle treinado pirâmide e anabolizante treinado pirâmide. O programa de exercício foi realizado três dias por semana, durante 8 semanas. Concomitantemente, o tratamento com o anabolizante esteróide - decanoato de nandrolona - foi realizado duas vezes por semana e ao final deste treinamento os ratos foram submetidos a um teste de agressividade (comportamento social) e a seguir eutanasiados. Foram realizadas análises ósseas (cabeça do fêmur), atividade da creatina kinase (CK), contagem espermática e viabilidade dos espermatozóides ao final das 8 semanas, com exceção a mensuração da CK que foi realizada ao longo do treinamento pirâmide. Os grupos submetidos ao exercício foram subdivididos para a realização de um protocolo de treinamento chamado "pirâmide". Neste treinamento, os ratos foram submetidos a uma série de repetições máximas, na qual foi testada sua resistência à fadiga, de grande importância para avaliarmos o dano ou fortalecimento ósseo, assim... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Considering the importance of physical exercise in the prevention of several health diseases on adults and elderly, searching the best way of exercise, the sought for ergogenics has increased nowadays. On this sense, ergogenics have been pointed as one of the most utilized substances on the treatment of aging, prevention of heart attack and osteoporosis. However, little is known about the best method to these treatments. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects produced by the high intensity resistance exercise and/or treatment with nandrolone (anabolic steroid) on social and reproductive aspects, as well as, the bone mechanical resistance on adult male rats. The rats were divided into six experimental groups: Untrained/Vehicle, Untrained/Anabolic, Trained/Vehicle, Trained/Anabolic, Pyramid/Vehicle and Pyramid Anabolic. The exercise protocol was performed three times a week, one day a part, during 8 weeks. The treatment with the anabolic steroid was realized within the eight weeks and at the end of the treatment/training, the animals were euthanized and the following analyses were assessed: femur mechanical resistance, creatine kinase (CK) activity, sperm count and seminal parameters, hormonal levels and the aggressive behavior. For the aggressive behavior the animals were isolated, and only the treatment was performed. The CK activity was the only measurement assessed during the 8 weeks. The groups submitted to the exercise were subdivided on the sixth week to accomplish another exercise protocol, known as pyramid training. This training protocol associates increasing working loads with low repetitions during the program, in which we tested the fatigue resistance, extremely important to evaluate the damage on bone strength, as well as other alterations. Through this analysis we could observe that the rats treated with decanoate... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

<p>Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) have been associated with adverse psychiatric effects, aggression and violent behaviour. The use of them has spread to a larger subpopulation, and the use has been connected to different risk behaviours, such as use of other illicit substances and carrying a gun. Case reports tell about a connection between AAS use and violent crimes, including homicide. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the proposed connection between AAS and crime, focusing on violent crimes, and to inquire into whether this proposed connection between AAS and criminality is affected by other risk factors for criminal behaviour.</p><p>The first two studies of this thesis investigated the registered criminality of individuals testing positively for AAS, with individuals testing negatively serving as control groups. In the two last studies individuals at a clinic for substance abuse treatment (Paper III) and in a prison (Paper IV) were asked about their use of AAS, and their history was assessed using the Addiction Severity Index.</p><p>The main finding of Paper I was the development of criminal patterns over time, with a clear increase of the proportion of violent crimes and weapons offences seen only among the pure AAS users. In Paper II an increased risk for weapons offences among AAS users was reported. In Paper III an increased risk of having been prosecuted for violent crimes and of having been physically abused was seen among the AAS users. In Paper IV, the main finding was the close resemblance of users and non users.</p><p>In summary, this thesis have concluded that the violence previously reported as connected to use of AAS can, to a large extent, be accounted for by other risk factors. There seems, however, to be a connection between use of AAS and a heavy, more planned form of criminality.</p>

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS) have been associated with adverse psychiatric effects, aggression and violent behaviour. The use of them has spread to a larger subpopulation, and the use has been connected to different risk behaviours, such as use of other illicit substances and carrying a gun. Case reports tell about a connection between AAS use and violent crimes, including homicide. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the proposed connection between AAS and crime, focusing on violent crimes, and to inquire into whether this proposed connection between AAS and criminality is affected by other risk factors for criminal behaviour. The first two studies of this thesis investigated the registered criminality of individuals testing positively for AAS, with individuals testing negatively serving as control groups. In the two last studies individuals at a clinic for substance abuse treatment (Paper III) and in a prison (Paper IV) were asked about their use of AAS, and their history was assessed using the Addiction Severity Index. The main finding of Paper I was the development of criminal patterns over time, with a clear increase of the proportion of violent crimes and weapons offences seen only among the pure AAS users. In Paper II an increased risk for weapons offences among AAS users was reported. In Paper III an increased risk of having been prosecuted for violent crimes and of having been physically abused was seen among the AAS users. In Paper IV, the main finding was the close resemblance of users and non users. In summary, this thesis have concluded that the violence previously reported as connected to use of AAS can, to a large extent, be accounted for by other risk factors. There seems, however, to be a connection between use of AAS and a heavy, more planned form of criminality.

The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) has been associated with use of illegal or unprescribed prescription drugs, as well as different adverse psychiatric effects, such as ma-nia, psychosis and hostility. Further, there is an association between use of AAS and other different risk behaviours, including carrying guns and reckless driving. Taken together, these data suggest that there is a group of AAS users that are not elite athletes, but rather young men at risk for psychiatric illness and criminality, and who use AAS primarily for their aes-thetic effects and possibly for their psychoactive effects. The aim of this thesis is to investi-gate further the connection between use of AAS and use of other drugs, and to investigate whether the proposed side effects of AAS cause an increase in morbidity and mortality. The first study (Paper I) investigates morbidity and mortality in persons testing positive for AAS compared to persons testing negative for AAS at a doping laboratory. Paper II of this thesis studies the presence of psychoactive drugs in diseased men who tested positive for AAS upon autopsy and whether there is any difference between deceased users of AAS and deceased users of heroin or amphetamine (control group). The third article (Paper III) dis-cusses a surprising finding in paper I of increased seizures NOS in users of AAS. Paper IV and V are interview studies from an out-patient substance abuse clinic. The main findings in Paper I was that the majority of deceased users of AAS were also positive for other drugs and/or alcohol on autopsy, and that users of AAS more often than the control group had died from intentional death (suicide or homicide). The main finding of Paper II was that users of AAS were severely at risk for premature death compared to both the control group and the general population. Paper III concluded that the high prevalence of Convulsion NOS in users of AAS most likely was the result of concomitant substance abuse and withdrawal from such use. Paper IV concluded that twelve percent of the patients at the substance abuse clinic had used AAS for at least one cycle. Users of AAS had a higher risk of having been convicted of a violent offence, and users of AAS more often reported having been physically abused. In Paper V, long-terme users of AAS were found to have an increased risk for developing depression in connection with cessation of AAS use. AAS was also re-ported to be used in preparation for crime. In summary, this thesis concludes that there is a solid association between use of AAS and use of other psychotropic drugs in certain subpopulations, and that users of AAS are at risk for premature death due to unnatural causes that may be secondary to use of AAS.

The purpose of this study was to compare the myocardial structure and function among endurance athletes (n.12), powerlifters/steroid users (n=5), powerlifters/non-steroid users (n=6), and sedentary controls (n=4). All subjects had a M-mode echocardiographic examination of their left ventricles under resting conditions. The echocardiographic measurements recorded and analyzed were of the left ventricular posterior wall at diastole and systole, left ventricular internal diameter at diastole and systole, and inter-ventricular septal thickness at diastole and systole. Myocardial function measurements consisting of left ventricle ejection time, left ventricular mass, mean ventricular contractile force, and percent fractional shortening were also recorded and analyzed. A One Way Analysis of Variance was used to analyze the data for statistical significance. A Tukey's HSD post-hoc test was used to determine statistical significance between the groups. A significant difference (p =0.02) was found for inter-ventricular septal thickness during diastole. All three athletic groups had significantly thicker inter-ventricular septa' thickness during diastole as compared to the controls. Power lifters/steroid users had the thickest inter-ventricular septal thickness (18.7 mm), followed by endurance athletes (18.6 mm), and powerlifters/nonsteroid users (16.5 mm). Overall, powerlifters/steroid users had the thickest walls at systole and diastole, while endurance athletes had the greatest internal diameters relative to the size of the left ventricle. Statistically significant differences among the groups were found for all four myocardial functional parameters: left ventricular ejection time (p = 0.03), left ventricular mass (p = 0.002), mean ventricular contractile force of (p 0.0013), and percent fractional shortening (p = 0.05). Power lifters/steroid users had the fastest left ventricular ejection times, largest left ventricular mass, greatest mean ventricular contractile force, and greatest percent fractional shortening. Endurance athletes had the slowest left ventricular ejection times, second largest left ventricular mass, lowest mean ventricular contractile force, and third lowest percent fractional shortening. The results indicated that not all individuals participating in high level endurance or powerlifting training and competition demonstrated complete adaptations in myocardial structure and function. Power lifters/steroid users however, demonstrated myocardial functional adaptations that were significantly different from powerlifters/non-steroid users, endurance athletes, and controls. The results of this study cannot attribute these changes either to the use of large amounts of anabolic steroids, or long-term, high-intensity training and competition in powerlifting. However, the study identified alterations in myocardial functions in powerlifters/steroid users, and contributes to the existing body of knowledge regarding the use of anabolic steroids by athletes. / Graduation date: 1990

Interpersonal violence and suicide are major health concerns, leading to premature death, extensive human suffering and staggering monetary costs. Although violent behaviour has multiple causes, it is well known that acute substance intake and abuse increase the risks of both interpersonal and self-directed violence. This association is quite well established for alcohol, while a more ambiguous literature exists for other common drugs of abuse. For example, anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), synthetic analogues to the “male” sex hormone testosterone are suggested to elicit violent and aggressive behaviour. Two studies (I and III) in the present thesis addressed the association between AAS use and being suspected or convicted of a violent crime among remand prisoners and in a general population sample, respectively. Further, using the case-crossover design to control for confounders stable within individuals, I also investigated the triggering (short-term risk) effect of alcohol and drugs such as benzodiazepines and AAS, on violent crime (Study II). Finally, a fourth study (IV) based on a large national forensic sample of suicide completers (n=18,894) examined the risk of using a violent, more lethal, suicide method, when under acute influence of alcohol, central stimulants or cannabis. The results of this thesis suggested that AAS use in itself is not a proximal risk factor for violent crime; the observed risk is probably due to the co-occurrence of abuse of other substances. Alcohol is a strong triggering risk factor for violent crime, constant across males and females as well as individuals with or without behavioral and psychiatric vulnerability. Intake of high doses of benzodiazepines is associated with an increased risk for violent crime. Cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of using the lethal suicide method of jumping from a height. I conclude that mapping substance abuse patterns may inform violence risk assessment and treatment planning.