The idea of the “angry drunk” isn’t a positive one, but it does have some merit to it. Multiple studies have found that alcohol is involved in nearly half of all violent crimes , more than any other substance or drug. While some consider drugs to be stronger than alcohol, alcohol specifically impacts an individual’s judgment and ability to make rational decisions.
Alcohol Abuse and Anger Management
It’s no guarantee that alcohol will lead to aggression, but there are certain individuals who are more prone to angry outbursts while intoxicated. Those who already suffer from impulse control and focusing too hard on the present tend to anger more quickly when under the influence.
When alcohol abuse is combined with an already impulsive nature, individuals subject themselves to frequent periods where anger is a common outcome. Binge drinking is also heavily linked to anger management issues, with those who drink less frequently but in much larger amounts being more prone to anger than those who drink less but more often.
Certain behavioral and mental health disorders can make anger management an even tougher challenge. Those with bipolar disorder and PTSD have less control over their reactions and mood regulation, with alcohol further impeding these abilities.
Underlying Mental Health Disorders and Angry Alcoholism
Comorbidity between conditions that cause one to frequently experience anger and alcohol abuse is more common than one might think. Nearly 10 million adults exhibit both a behavioral disorder and an addiction with each making the other more severe in a vicious cycle. Drinking increases the risk of altercations in these individuals, making it a dangerous activity to partake in.
It doesn’t have to be a diagnosable condition in order to have an impact on how likely it is to become angry while drunk. Suffering from high stress or anxiety can make people more reactive to situations that would otherwise go without notice. Consequences of these actions can have a lifelong impact as they can include jail time, lost relationships and trouble finding employment due to a criminal record.
At the end of the day, alcohol is a depressant and interferes with the central nervous system’s ability to interpret and react to what’s going on around it. Social cues become difficult, emotions are less regulated and critical thinking skills suffer greatly. Alcohol makes it harder for those with anger management issues to judge a situation and prevent a hostile reaction.
Drinking is also a common form of self-medication used to mask the underlying symptoms and emotions associated with mental health issues. When these symptoms include anger, the individual is both unable to control it while drinking and experiences it more severely when sober. Alcohol dependence is also common as the brain and body start to rely on the substance in order to execute normal functions.
Finding Help With Your Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol dependence leads to some of the worst withdrawal symptoms brought on by any substance. This makes proper treatment crucial for both safety and a successful rehab. Withdrawal symptoms brought on by alcohol abuse include:
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Headaches and migraines
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Profuse sweating and fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Delirium Tremens
Some of these symptoms can be fatal if the detox isn’t medically-assisted with proper medication administration and medical support around the clock. America’s Rehab Campus is Arizona’s leading rehab center for successful medical detox and recovery from addiction. Our goal is to make treatment accessible and comfortable for those who need it most.
Anyone struggling with anger and their relationship with alcohol is encouraged to reach out to the ARC team today. With a free and confidential consultation, our compassionate staff can help you understand your options for treatment so please don’t hesitate to get started on your road to recovery.
