Anger Management and Addiction | Links, Symptoms and Treatment

Anger is a natural human emotion that everyone experiences in their lives, no matter what personality type they may be. It’s a response to situations where we feel threatened, frustrated or wronged. On a biological level, anger is tied to our “fight or flight” response. When we perceive a threat, our brain signals the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones. This prepares our body to either confront the threat or escape from it.

Anger can, in fact, be a healthy emotion as it helps us recognise when something is wrong or unfair and can motivate us to make changes or address issues that need attention. However, it’s important to manage anger constructively. Chronic anger or explosive outbursts can harm our physical health, relationships and overall well-being.

What are anger management issues?

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.

What kind of behaviour would someone with anger management issues show?

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.

Volatile anger

Volatile anger involves sudden, intense outbursts that can seem to come out of nowhere. This type of anger can be unpredictable and might lead to physical or verbal confrontations. It’s often a response to a trigger and once the outburst passes, the person might feel remorseful or embarrassed.

Retaliatory anger

Retaliatory anger is all about getting even. If someone feels wronged or slighted, they might harbour feelings of revenge and seek ways to make the other person pay. This type of anger can be long-lasting and might lead to planning and executing acts of retaliation.

Self-abusive anger

People with self-abusive anger turn their frustrations inward. Instead of lashing out at others, they might engage in negative self-talk, self-harm or other destructive behaviours. This type of anger can be particularly harmful because it damages the person’s self-esteem and well-being.

Is there a link between anger management issues and addiction?

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.

What are the treatment options for anger management and addiction?

At Linwood House, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you navigate both anger management and addiction. We believe in treating the whole person, and our range of treatment options is designed with your unique needs in mind.

Individual therapy: You’ll work one-on-one with our experienced therapists to uncover the root causes of your anger and addiction. Together, you’ll develop coping strategies and set personal goals for your recovery.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT will help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours. This approach is key to managing your anger and overcoming addiction.
Mindfulness and stress reduction techniques: Practices like meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help you manage stress and find a sense of calm, reducing the likelihood of anger outbursts and relapse.
Holistic Therapies: We offer art therapy, music therapy and even equine therapy to give you multiple ways to express and understand your emotions.
Aftercare Planning: We’ll work with you to create a robust aftercare plan, ensuring you have ongoing support and resources as you transition back into your daily life.

What are the next steps?

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.

Frequently asked questions

Does hypnotherapy work for anger management?

Yes, hypnotherapy can help some individuals manage anger by addressing underlying issues and promoting relaxation techniques.

How can I help a loved one who has anger management issues?

Offer support, encourage them to seek professional help, and practise active listening. Help them identify triggers and suggest coping strategies.

Are there any medications used for anger management?

While there are no specific medications for anger management, some medications, such as mood stabilisers or antidepressants, may be prescribed to help manage underlying conditions contributing to anger.

(Click here to see works cited)

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Anger and Aggression in Family Dynamics. In: Martin, C.R., Preedy, V.R., Patel, V.B. (eds) Handbook of Anger, Aggression, and Violence. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31547-3_6
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