Violence associated with chemical abuse tends to occur in a particular stage of that abuse: during intoxication, during withdrawal, or in what might be called the residual stage of abuse. Since different drugs have different implications for anticipating violence, it is important to identify the drug involved immediately. The drugs most frequently cited in connection with violence in the literature are examined: sedatives or depressants acting upon the central nervous system (alcohol, barbiturates, and diazepam); stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines, caffeine, and nicotine); hallucinogens (PCP, LSD, and marijuana); and narcotics (heroin, morphine, Demerol, and Dilaudid). Lithium carbonate usage is also addressed. The greatest potential for violence is shown to occur when the aggressor is under the influence of a combination of drugs. Potentially violent combinations, including marijuana and alcohol, are examined. Attention is focused on the following types of patients: paranoid, schizophrenic, sociopathic, demented, manic, depressed, or demanding and belligerent. Methods for assessing and anticipating violent behavior in the chemical abuser are suggested; managing such a patient is discussed in terms of a seven-stage approach progressing from discussion to sedation. Included are 59 references.