"Man must evolve for all human conflict is a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. the foundation of such a method is love." Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)

Some Ways to Treat Excessive Aggression

Aggression is a natural part of human existence. Physiological, social, and environmental factors all play a role in aggression. Aggression is a natural expression of human life and is not something that can be truly eliminated. Aggression can, however, be shaped and utilized so that its expression is used only for positive purposes.

One popular way to utilize excess aggression is to channel the aggressive feelings into exercise and sports. Many believe that through aggressive and exhausting activities, the aggressive tendencies will essentially be "drained out of the body." Knowing the biological nature of aggression, it is questionable that aggression could actually be "driven out of" a person. While athletic and competitive activities may not actually take aggression out of a person, they are acceptable and worthwhile ways to display aggression.

The simplest way to "treat" aggression is to teach self-control before aggressive behaviors present themselves. Studies show that parents who hug, kiss, and generally show love to their children throughout their lives are likely to have children with less aggressive behaviors. Similarly, children who are taught to understand the dangerous nature of violence and understand that film violence is only an act tend to be less aggressive despite viewing the violent media.

For those who show very aggressive behaviors, medication may be required. Drugs have been developed that can alter the levels of important chemicals in the patient, such as serotonin, nitric oxide, and others. Drugs are usually used to treat aggression in older patients who have already displayed intensely aggressive behaviors that cannot be treated any other way, such as criminals and mentally disabled people.

As already stated, aggression will always exist and cannot be truly treated.. Tendencies towards aggression are the result of numerous chemical interactions within the human body, most of which result from genetics. After those genetic hard codes decide a person's propensity towards aggression, the social factors take over, and can add to or detract from the person's chances to act aggressively. It is hoped that through more caring and diligent parenting and schooling that most severely aggressive behaviors can be stopped before they begin.