What does behavioral toxicity refer to?

Behavioral toxicity pertains specifically to the adverse effects that a drug has on an individual's behavior. This can include changes in judgment, decision-making, impulse control, and overall conduct resulting from the drug's influence on the brain and nervous system. Unlike physical toxicity, which focuses on the physiological effects and bodily harm that a substance may cause, behavioral toxicity emphasizes how a substance can impair cognitive and social functions, leading to risky behavior, aggression, or other behavioral changes that may endanger not only the user but also those around them.

Understanding behavioral toxicity is critical in the context of substance use because it highlights the potential for a drug to alter an individual's capacity to function appropriately in society and make safe decisions, which can have far-reaching implications for personal safety and public health.