Overcoming Anger and Addiction: Strategies for Recovery

Both the addiction and addiction recovery processes bring forward a number of emotions, anger being only one of them. The anger and addiction connection is complex. Anger can trigger substance use, and anger often comes out during the addiction recovery process. Research also shows that anger is elevated in addicts compared to non-addicts.

It´s important to address both these issues during the rehab process. Unresolved anger can mean unresolved underlying reasons for addiction and, therefore, an increased risk of relapse, which can hinder long-term recovery. At We Level Up Texas, addiction recovery includes psychotherapy that helps recognize addiction and anger triggers and education for successful anger management. 

Keep reading to learn about this complex connection between addiction and anger and how it affects addiction recovery. We will share with you steps to manage anger issues and recommendations for those struggling with substance abuse.

The Connection Between Anger and Addiction

The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anger as antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. APA recognizes that anger can be a functional and motivational emotion and can move people to act on it. Unfortunately, the act itself can be negative as well, especially if the anger is excessive. 

Addiction and anger issues can be intertwined through emotional dysregulation. Emotional dysregulation—in this case, the inability to control anger—can fuel addiction. On the other hand, long-term substance abuse (drugs or alcohol) can impair your ability to deal with intense emotions like unresolved anger and further increase problems of emotional dysregulation.  

Another way addiction and anger are connected is through anger repression, which can be a part of an unhealthy coping mechanism. When facing something that brings about a lot of anger but is unable to express it or act on it, a person can seek any form of relief. Sadly, for some people, this relief comes in the form of substance abuse, which can offer a short-term escape from what creates anger.

Managing Anger Issues in Addiction Recovery

Managing anger and addiction requires the ability to recognize situations, people, or subjects that trigger maladaptive responses. Furthermore, it requires adaptive responses, which are possible only with healthy coping mechanisms. Those mechanisms can be self-developed or, more typically, a result of the implementation of therapeutic approaches and anger management techniques.

It is equally important to recognize and understand one´s triggers in order to manage both addiction and anger issues successfully. Being able to recognize anger triggers can especially benefit those who lean into addiction as a response to anger. Some typical life problems that act as triggers for anger are family toxicity, traumas, and unresolved interpersonal problems. Understanding what makes you angry is the first step to addressing it before it results in maladaptive behaviors like addiction.

The next step is reacting in an adaptive way, which is possible if you have healthy coping mechanisms. There are plenty of techniques to manage your anger once you feel it. Some people use sports or physical activity in general to cope with strong emotions. Others find hobbies as an outlet. Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation are other popular techniques used in addiction and anger management that found much support in both science and practice. 

Other techniques that are fairly easy to develop and implement on a daily basis are related to one´s sense of being grounded and present at the moment, such as breathing techniques and muscle relaxation. Deep breathing means taking slow, deep breaths to calm the body and reduce feelings of anger. Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and relaxing the muscles with the same goal.

Developing healthy coping mechanisms or implementing anger management techniques does not always come naturally, and many people require help. The majority will benefit from psychotherapy, as it is able to identify and address underlying issues for both anger and addiction. This is especially important during the dual diagnosis program in Texas, which aims to do exactly that—simultaneously address both anger and addiction problems.

The Role of Alcohol in Anger and Addiction

Anger can fuel addiction through dysfunctional coping mechanisms that create a vicious circle. Anger often comes as a response to an uncontrollable and painful situation. As it is a complex feeling, including dissatisfaction, helplessness, and even sadness, it can be overwhelming. It is a strong emotion that people often do not know what to do with and only want to get rid of. Some people find a way to get rid of anger by dulling it down. Substance use can do that. Substances change the mood, usually making people euphoric and relaxed.

The way this unhealthy mechanism works is that you experience anger as a response to a painful event; not being able to express it, you look for a solution in substance use. The substances produce a desirable effect but also lead to people withdrawing from you, leaving you with yet another painful event and more anger that you´re trying to resolve in the same way. Thus, anger becomes fuel in the cycle of addiction. Leaving this vicious circle is everything but easy. It requires professional assistance in the form of rehab. For instance, alcohol rehab in Texas helps address both anger and alcohol abuse as an unhealthy response to it.

The Detox Process and Anger Management

The detoxification treatment is beneficial for both managing anger and the addiction recovery process. Its goal is to cleanse the body of the substance. For instance, in the case of alcoholism, alcohol detox in Texas helps eliminate all traces of alcohol in your system. This process of removing the substance from the body can also remove the connection between anger and addiction. 

By eliminating the substance and the options for use, the unhealthy mechanism to cope with anger is also eliminated in the present moment, leaving you in a situation with a clear head and a need for a new outlet or new coping mechanisms. This further creates motivation to deal with addiction and anger while in a situation to receive the best possible support for them. 

We Level Up Texas inpatient detox includes round-the-clock medical and psychotherapeutic assistance, aiming to set a solid foundation for long-term recovery from substance abuse. Our professional and experienced staff can aid your rehab, help you learn anger management techniques, and start your life-long journey to sobriety.

The Importance of a Support System

For anyone´s recovery process, a strong support system is essential. Ideally, support comes from those closest to you, your family and friends. But even with the strong support in your immediate environment, having more people to rely on or draw inspiration from can only make the rehab journey easier.

Finding support from professionals who understand your situation from a different perspective than your loved ones can be key. Their experience and knowledge can guide you toward managing both anger and addiction in a healthy and adaptive way. Try can not only help you recover but also empower you with skills, mechanisms, and techniques to address any future challenges and live to your full potential.

Furthermore, a therapist can be your connection to other support systems—support groups and alumni networks. Support groups are an essential part of some well-established rehab programs (like 12-step programs), showcasing their importance for one´s addiction recovery. Their value lies in the fact that they are made up of people who have gone through similar experiences and can offer their struggles and success stories of overcoming them, serving as inspiration and encouragement. We Level Up Texas established an alumni network so you get to become and stay connected with peers who can support you long-term and well-pass your rehab.

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Seek Help for Your Problems

Whether you are struggling with substance abuse or experiencing the vicious connection between addiction and anger, you deserve to feel better and live a fulfilling life. It is not easy to overcome these issues, but you do not need to do it alone. Other than the people closest to you, psychotherapists and medical staff can provide support that will help you fight addiction and manage anger in a healthy and productive way.

Call We Level Up Texas and get tailored solutions for your addiction and anger issues. Break the vicious cycle and live your best life.