Why Is Anger Management Essential to Drug and Alcohol Recovery?

One of the underlying causes of addiction is linked to not dealing with anger correctly. Some

people turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to calm themselves and attempt to release the

feelings associated with anger. However, what they are doing instead is relying upon the

substance to induce a calming sensation and release the tension and stress caused by anger. Over

time and continued use of the preferred substance, such as cocaine or hard liquor, the body starts

to build up tolerance to the substance. So, calming oneself down through the use of a substance

requires more of it. Eventually, the person finds themselves addicted to the substance. Now, they

have at least two problems needing treatment at Orange County treatment centers: substance

addiction and managing their anger.

According to a survey completed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration, 40% of cocaine addicts reported having acted out violent events caused by

feelings of anger. This in turn led to attempting to manage the feelings by using cocaine. Similar

findings were found from other research data and other substances, like alcohol, methadone, and

so on. It is equally important to address anger as part of a complete treatment plan. Not dealing

with anger correctly during addiction treatment programs often results in people experiencing a

relapse later. As their anger returns, they quickly return to their preferred substance to manage

the anger.

It is estimated there are approximately 23 million people who have some form of substance

addiction and problems with anger. Many of these people do not even realize there is an

underlying anger component to their addictive tendencies and behaviors. The original cause for

the anger leading to the addiction could have occurred from such life events as:

Divorce

Child Custody and Visitation Disagreements

Loss of Employment

Recent Release from Being Incarcerated

Painful Bodily Injuries from an Accident

Struggling Financially

Recent Fit of Rage, Aggression, or Violence

Being Charged with a Criminal Offense

Other Mental Health Issues and Problems

It is common for someone to feel angry whenever these life events happen to them, as well as

others. Addressing the anger through an anger management treatment program is highly

recommended rather than turning to addictive forming substances.

Substance abuse and anger tend to go hand-in-hand, more so in recent years. Whenever life starts

to become difficult for some people, they get upset and angry. In turn, they look for a way to deal

with the anger without taking it out on their friends and family. They might start drinking more

heavily or start experimenting with different types of controlled substances until they find the

ones that work best for their fits of anger. Unfortunately, anger does get the best of them, at

times, and results in taking the anger directly out on another person, such as a co-worker, loved

one, or even a complete stranger.

Due to this relationship between anger and substance abuse, treating both symptoms is vital to

ensure the recovery of the individual. Quite frequently, while participating in individual or group

alcohol or drug rehab in Orange County, people start to discover the reasons for their anger.

Once they have identified the cause of the anger, they can start to learn the right ways to deal

with their emotions and better manage their anger without having to turn to controlled

substances.