Anger is often seen as a negative emotion that has no place in a healthy lifestyle. It’s a completely natural and sometimes appropriate reaction. However, anger can also be destructive. If an inability to control and process anger is impacting your wellness, it may be time to consider joining an anger management program.
Anger and addiction have a symbiotic relationship. Many people turn to substances hoping to gain control over their emotions, but the cycle of addiction creates more things to be angry about. If you’d like to learn how to regulate your emotions and express anger healthily, call Promises today at 844.875.5609.
Can Anger Cause a Drinking Problem?
Anger and addiction can both be caused by a large number of factors. You may feel angry when your boundaries are disrespected or when you feel you’ve been treated unfairly. Additionally, unhealed trauma can manifest in anger.
People develop alcohol use disorder for many reasons. Often, the cause is a combination of genetics, poor coping skills, and physical or emotional pain.
Anger is closely related to addiction on many levels. Children who grow up in households where they witness or are victims of aggressive and abusive behavior have a higher risk of developing addiction disorders in adulthood.
Some people begin abusing alcohol to soothe angry feelings, but it typically has the opposite effect. Alcohol abuse makes it difficult to manage emotions. A person with an alcohol use disorder might overreact and explode with excessive anger.
It may be too simplistic to suggest that anger “causes” a drinking problem. However, the inability to express and manage emotions could lead to alcohol use as a coping mechanism.
Managing Anger
Emotional regulation isn’t something humans are automatically born knowing how to do. Children look to their parents and other family members to teach them how to express themselves and process uncomfortable feelings.
Addiction treatment programs stress the importance of anger management. Learning to manage anger and other uncomfortable feelings is essential for maintaining sobriety long term. Some of the therapies included in an anger management program are:
- Mindfulness and relaxation
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Stress management
- Communication skills training
Lifestyle changes are also an integral part of anger management. Simple things like eating a balanced diet, getting adequate amounts of sunlight and exercise, and getting restorative sleep will help you stay emotionally balanced. If that seems too simple, think about how grouchy and short-tempered most people get when they are hungry or tired.
In some cases, medication might also be recommended. If a person has underlying mental health conditions that make it more difficult to regulate their emotions, medication can be an effective ally.
Can You Be Addicted to Anger?
Committing to recovery requires a willingness to examine all aspects of your behavior. Many people who develop addiction disorders seek the “rush” and the highs that drugs and alcohol provide.
Anger can also provide an adrenaline rush. After the endorphins wear off, you’re left feeling blue and anxious again. This up-and-down cycle is similar to the cycle of addiction and may prompt someone to actively seek reasons to get angry.
Take Control of Your Anger With Support From Promises Today
Anger may not directly cause a drinking problem, but anger and addiction have a close relationship. Learning to manage your emotions productively is part of a comprehensive recovery program.
Recovery clients sometimes look for substitutes to supply the thrill of drugs and alcohol. Anger can provide the same rush of endorphins as some substances. Allowing anger to control your actions can lead to relapse. To get involved in an effective anger management program, call Promises at 844.875.5609 today or reach out using our online contact form.