Content
In some cases, you can’t change an angry drunk, and you need to make the decision that’s right for you and other members of the household, especially children. The ultimate goal is to help them get into a treatment program that addresses their substance abuse and the way it causes them to behave. But this is often easier said than done, and mean drunks can turn violent when provoked — meaning that if you share a living space with one, your safety should be your main priority. Many people with “angry drunk” tendencies also end up on the wrong side of law. Someone who is frequently angry while drunk could have an underlying mental health condition, but it could also just be the consequence of long-term or unresolved anger.
The aggression measure used in this study was developed in 1967 to test aggressiveness through the use of harmless but somewhat painful electric shocks. The researchers measured the participants’ threshold to the electric shock pain before the experiment began to ensure that no one received a shock that exceeded what they could take. Alcohol and other psychoactive substances are known for reducing our ability to recognize emotions and empathize with others. So it should be no surprise that alcohol makes it harder to recognize when we are threatening or hostile to someone else.
Individualized, evidence based treatment, to fit your needs.
After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily alcohol and anger lives. After someone has successfully detoxed, they will follow an individualized treatment plan. Treatment plans will vary based on the individual, but typically entail a combination of therapies, education, medication, and group support.
- A total of 100 males (50 alcohol-dependent and 50 abstainers) in the age range of 20–45 years with a primary diagnosis of alcohol dependence were taken for the study.
- Relapsers group differ from the abstainer group in relation to the presence of trait and state anger.
- Alcohol has a closer association with aggressive behavior than any other mind-altering substance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- In other words, whatever you’re feeling before you drink will likely be magnified once you’re drunk, and because your decision-making is impaired, you’re more likely to act out that anger.
People spend years in therapy and in treatment for issues of their own that are caused by the consequences of this behavior. We don’t want you to face uncontrolled anger or alcohol use disorder alone – we want to help. Chances are, you’ve either seen this in your friends or you’ve seen it in yourself. Do you ever wonder why it feels so easy to confront your anger when you’re drinking? You’ve probably noticed (or observed) that you say and do things when you’re drinking that you wouldn’t normally say or do.
The Dangers of Anger in Sobriety
If you feel like you have a pattern of being aggressive when drinking alcohol, you should understand how your behavior can impact yourself and others. Furthermore, alcohol can make you focus too much on specific words or behaviors from other people. If you see someone cut in front of you in line for the bathroom at a bar or concert, you may react aggressively when you otherwise wouldn’t mind. When drinking, it becomes increasingly challenging to interpret information logically.
The best decision you can make is often the most difficult because it may involve putting your life, your family and your career on hold. But entering treatment is the best way to show the people you’ve harmed with your anger that you’ve made a commitment to change. For example, some cases of domestic violence have turned fatal because one person refused to leave when their partner was being abusive to them.
Living With an Angry Alcoholic
You should not approach someone about having a problem if they do not display some or all of these behaviors. If someone that you know is showing the signs below, it may be time to talk to their doctor or approach them about receiving help from a substance abuse or mental health professional. Even though they speak about anger management in most Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step programs and in rehab, experiencing these emotions is different once you’re sober. Sometimes, little things like being unable to deal with or express a specific feeling can lead to an angry outburst. As a result, there’s a lot of trial and error throughout your recovery, including finding the best anger-management techniques for you. People act differently when they are under the influence of alcohol.