Anger Issues, Addiction, and Anger Management

Sometimes people will try to cope with their anger by having unhealthy coping mechanisms. But, unfortunately, people who have unhealthy coping mechanisms, like abusing drugs, don’t often see the correlation.

Nevertheless, drug abuse and anger issues are closely related. If you or a loved one is struggling with anger issues in addiction, then keep reading to learn more!

What Is Rage?

Anger is a normal emotion, just like sadness and happiness. However, anger issues are not normal patterns of behavior.

Individuals who have uncontrollable bursts of anger with little to no triggers most likely have rage issues. Having a rage issue can significantly affect your mental health, which can lead to other problems.

For starters, when a person becomes angry, their brain releases endorphins. This chemical can make the person feel like they’re on top of the world. 

Sometimes expressing uncontrollable anger can even feel self-stimulating. Therefore, the individual will find satisfaction in their outburst even if they can’t control them.

Rage issues can become violent if left untreated and often results in drug addiction. However, certain triggers can cause these disorders.  

Causes of Anger Issues

Anger issues are sometimes triggered by external forces like financial problems, high-stress work environments, and marital problems.

However, some people are predisposed to having anger issues. For example, some individuals have an underlying disorder that may cause anger. These disorders are usually alcoholism, anxiety, and depression.

Children who were subject to domestic abuse are also more likely to develop anger issues and drug/alcohol dependencies later in life. 

Types of Anger 

The human brain can process three types of anger. For starters, open aggression is the type of anger that can be dangerous.

When people have this type of aggression, they become verbally and physically abusive. In addition, they often use this anger to bully, manipulate, and even blackmail others.

Passive aggression is a very common form of anger. In this type of anger, the person hides their genuine anger in a passive tone.

The person will find subtle ways to review their anger which is seen as passive. This type of anger can be frustrating for others because there is no communication.

Lastly, assertive anger is the healthiest type of anger. The person can assert themselves and positively use their anger. However, they won’t use screaming and another dangerous tactic to get to the resolution.

The Cycle of Anger and Addiction

Anger and addiction are usually coexisting and a result of one another. For example, someone with severe anger issues will use alcohol or drugs to soothe their symptoms.

Unfortunately, abusing drugs and alcohol only causes a person’s anger to increase. So if you’ve ever wondered why addicts get so angry, it’s because they’re withdrawing or experiencing an intense high, which causes more anger.

Dual Diagnosis

A dual diagnosis refers to a person who has a drug dependency and an existing mental disorder. For example, rage and drug addiction could be considered a dual diagnosis, because you have mental health problems, and an addiction to a substance. 

In the case of a dual diagnosis, the patient should have specialized care. For example, the individual will need care for their mental disorder as well as their addiction. The best mental health treatments will address both of these issues simultaneously. 

Mixing Drugs

Sometimes an addict will begin to use cocaine and alcohol to help solve their anger issues. Mixing drugs and alcohol can make for a better high. However, once the individual comes down from said drugs, their anger increases.

Anger Caused by Withdrawals

During withdrawal, an individual will become easily agitated, which can result in angry outbursts. If you suspect an individual is using drugs, here are some of the withdrawal symptoms that may accompany them after a binge:

• Persistent sweating
• Anxiety
• Bursts of anger
• Nausea 
• Lack of sleep 
• Not eating

All of these symptoms are a huge tell-tale sign that someone is using. So if you or a loved one is withdrawing, find help today!

How to Decrease Anger Bursts 

Anger can be controlled in a healthy manner. For starters, you shouldn’t reject your rage or try to mask it with drugs. Instead, learn about healthy coping techniques that are conducive to your mental progress.

Here are some examples of healthy coping mechanism:

• Meditating 
• Going on walks 
• Listening to podcasts or calming music 
• Reading 
• Journaling 
• Understanding your triggers
• Thinking through your emotions rationally 
• Speaking to a friend 

Rage and addictions can make it hard to follow these steps. Often, an individual will cope using drugs, or they will allow their anger to take over. This can be frustrating for everyone involved.

If you’re wondering, “can anger be an addiction” the answer is yes. That’s why following these steps can be easier said than done. However, these methods can help healthily ease your anger! 

How Anger Affects Your Life

Rage and anger issues can affect all aspects of your everyday life. For example, people who have rage have a higher chance of developing heart and blood pressure problems.

Anger issues can also cause a relationship to become strained, which could lead to divorce or separation. In addition, in court proceedings, your anger may be used against you to take away custodial rights! That’s why finding ways to manage your anger is important for a healthy and long life!

Common Symptoms of Having Anger Issues

Knowing the initial symptoms of anger can help you think through your emotions. Here are some of the physical symptoms of anger:

• Jaw clenching 
• Fist clenching 
• Increased heart rate
• Hot flashes
• Sweaty palms
• Irregular breathing patterns 
• Tension headaches 
• Inability to form a sentence 
• Feeling nauseous

When you start showing these symptoms, remember to breathe, take a step back, and instead practice a healthy coping mechanism! Doing this can help you break the cycle of anger issues in addiction. 

Getting Better Is Possible  

Anger issues can put a significant strain on your life. However, by following these steps, you can get help controlling anger and start your journey to a better tomorrow! 

If you have any more questions about addiction, addiction treatment, or anger management, contact us today!