Anger Management & Addiction | Links, Symptoms & Treatment

Anger management issues arise when an individual’s anger becomes overwhelming or difficult to control, affecting their daily life and relationships. While everyone experiences anger, it’s how we handle and express it that determines if it becomes an issue.

These issues can develop due to various factors. Often, it’s not just about one event but a combination of circumstances. For instance, past trauma can make it harder to manage anger effectively. Sometimes, learned behaviour from family or cultural background plays a role—if someone grew up in an environment where anger was frequently expressed in unhealthy ways, they might adopt similar patterns.

Anger management problems can indeed grow over time if not addressed. Without proper strategies to cope, minor irritations can escalate into major outbursts, leading to adverse effects in all areas of a person’s life. It’s crucial to recognise that while some people might have a predisposition to be more temperamental, anger management is a skill that can be learned and improved.

You don’t have to be bawling, shouting or engaging in violence to show anger management issues. In fact, these issues can manifest even when someone appears calm. Anger can simmer beneath the surface, showing itself in various ways that might not be immediately obvious. Here are some different types of anger management issues:

Passive-aggressive anger

This type of anger is expressed indirectly rather than openly. People with passive-aggressive anger might agree to do something but then procrastinate or perform tasks inefficiently to express their frustration. They might also use sarcasm or make underhanded comments that hint at their true feelings.

Chronic anger

Chronic anger is when someone feels angry most of the time. This type of anger often stems from long-standing issues or frustrations. People with chronic anger might have a short temper and can easily become irritated or annoyed by small things.

While not everyone who experiences anger management issues will automatically form an addiction, studies and theories have shown links between the two. Understanding that everyone’s situation is uniquely different, below we take a closer look at some of the potential ways anger management and addiction can interact with each other:

Using substances as a coping mechanism

People struggling with unmanaged anger may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. These substances might temporarily numb their intense emotions or reduce their agitation. Over time, this can lead to dependency as they continue to rely on substances instead of developing healthy emotional regulation skills.

Research indicates that individuals with poor coping skills for stressors are more likely to turn to substances to cope. In this case, anger acts as the stressor.

Addiction exacerbates anger issues

For those dealing with addiction, substance use can worsen existing emotional regulation problems, including anger. This can occur due to the physiological effects of substances, withdrawal symptoms or the stress of maintaining the addiction. As a result, individuals may experience more frequent or intense episodes of anger.

Research in the United States shows that drugs are involved in 35% of all violent acts, and up to 92% of domestic violence incidents can be linked to problematic substance use. This underscores the connection between substance use, anger and violence.

Anger as a trigger for relapse

For individuals in recovery from addiction, unmanaged anger can be a significant trigger for relapse. The stress and emotional turmoil from anger episodes might drive them to seek relief through their previous coping mechanism, substance use. This highlights the importance of integrated treatment approaches that address both addiction and emotional regulation.

Social and relationship problems leading to isolation

Both anger management issues and addiction can lead to social and relationship problems, resulting in isolation. Feeling isolated or alienated can increase the risk of substance use, as people may turn to drugs or alcohol to fill the void or ease feelings of loneliness or rejection. This isolation also removes crucial support systems that could help manage anger or addiction.

Struggling with anger management and addiction can feel overwhelming, but Linwood House is here to support you. Our compassionate, experienced team offers comprehensive treatment programmes tailored to address both issues, helping you regain control and find peace. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier life with us. Reach out to Linwood House today, and let us be your partner on this journey to recovery.