Anger Management and Addiction

Anger is one of the basic human emotions. It’s a natural experience. However, there are points when anger can become very intense. An issue arises when we no longer feel in control of our anger. When this happens, our emotional reactions can become unpredictable. When anger feels overwhelming, this can lead to psychological spiralling. Both our feelings and our behaviours can begin to change, often leading to a deterioration in wellbeing and engagement with risky coping skills. For this reason, individuals who struggle with their anger may turn to drugs, alcohol, or behaviours with addiction potential to self-soothe. But how do you address this connection between addiction and anger management? How do you identify an anger problem, and what support is available?

What is anger management?

Dr Charles Spielberger – a specialist in the study of emotion – explains that anger is ‘an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage.’ This means that anger naturally exists on a spectrum. In evolutionary terms, we can consider aggression as a ‘natural way to express anger’. In our ancestral history – and in certain contexts today – anger helps us respond to potential threats. But, in some cases, our tendency towards anger can become disproportionate. This can lead to challenges in managing anger.

The British Association of Anger Management defines anger management as ‘the art of controlling your temper.’ You can work towards a healthier understanding of anger through specialised support. This aims to change your relationship with your emotions and provide you with increased emotional intelligence and a greater sense of peace.

Anger management symptoms

When we think about anger management, we are likely to think first about the ways we feel or behave. This is because our emotional states are inherently intertwined with our physiological responses. [6] Behavioural and emotional signs of difficulties with anger include:

• Irritability
• Shouting
• Swearing
• Throwing objects
• Breaking things
• Pacing
• Being verbally abusive to others
• Being physically abusive to others
• Isolating yourself
• Engaging with self-harm
• Having difficulty communicating without feeling overwhelmed
• Often regret how you act in the heat of a moment

When we are ‘in a rage’, we can act ‘without thinking’. This is because anger is associated with a mix of conscious and unconscious thought processes. These can sometimes become dangerous or even harmful to us or others.

But feeling anger so intensely can also start to impact our bodies. This can lead to a range of physical symptoms or sensations linked to anger, such as:

• Tension headaches
• Grinding teeth
• Palpitations
• Tachycardia
• High blood pressure
• Tightness in the chest
• Stomachache
• Feeling hot
• Weakness in the legs
• Feeling dizzy
• Tingling in legs, feet, arms and hands
• Urge to use the toilet

The bodily aspect of feeling angry can make the whole situation all-encompassing. Physiological sensations can drive our thoughts and behaviours, leading to a cycle where the period of anger begins to extend.

How do you know if you have anger management?

The British Association of Anger Management collated the following questions, which form the basis of a ‘quiz’ that can be used to screen for anger management difficulties.

• Do you have a tendency to criticise others?
• Do you keep things in until you fully explode with anger?
• Do you get upset when others disagree with you?
• When you get angry, do you withdraw from people?
• Do you have a tendency to take your anger out on someone other than who you’re angry with?
• When a problem arises between you and someone else, do you discuss it without losing control of your emotions?
• Are you satisfied with the way you settle differences with others?
• Do you become depressed easily?
• Do you often act politely even though you’re fuming?
• Do you tend to feel very guilty or bad after getting angry?

Anger management and addiction

Anger management and addiction are often comorbid – this means that it is common for people in addiction treatment to also experience anger issues, or vice versa.

What’s the link?

There is not a single cause and effect in this situation. The relationship between addiction and anger appears to be more symbiotic and complex.

Anger leading to addiction

Problems with anger, at their core, are a consequence of deep emotion. This can often mean that individuals with anger issues have experienced difficult situations in the past and may, therefore, have developed specific unconscious patterns of thought that seem to privilege an anger response. This can be linked to a range of circumstances, such as:

• a dual diagnosis
• neurodivergence
• chronic stress
• grief
• loss unrelated to death (such as relationship breakdown)
• financial difficulties
• experience of abuse
• experience of a traumatic event

Common dual diagnoses for individuals with anger management include:

• developmental disabilities
• anxiety
• bipolar disorder
• depression
• personality disorders
• schizophrenia

All of these experiences can negatively impact emotional wellbeing. This can lead to reduced control over emotions. Individuals may then use substances either as a coping mechanism for relieving anger or due to reduced impulse control in periods of intense emotion.

Addiction leading to anger

Addiction is not always born out of anger, but it can trigger anger issues. Substances all impact our bodies and minds in some way. However, some substances can cause an increase in irritability, paranoia or anger. This can lead to increased agitation and aggressiveness, which can be difficult to maintain. These changes can be short-term (because of the drug’s high) or long-term, as a result of the drug’s effects on the psyche more generally. Anger can also be a symptom of substance withdrawal and can, therefore, be experienced in a detox context.

Substances perhaps most linked with aggression include:

• benzodiazepines
• cocaine
• crack cocaine
• methamphetamine
• mephedrone
• spice
• LSD

Anger management and addiction treatment

A two-pronged approach to anger management and addiction seeks to tackle both simultaneously. This may include a blend of two approaches:

1. Anger management therapy
2. Rehab

Anger management therapy

Anger management therapy aims to specifically target an individual’s relationship with anger, focusing on the psychology of the emotion more generally whilst also approaching an individual’s potential cognitive distortions and risky thought patterns. This can help undermine the need to engage in maladaptive behaviours.

How much are anger management classes?

The price of anger management classes varies depending on the provider and type of course you access. You can contact the team at Banbury Lodge for a free consultation and more information on costs and logistics of rehab-based anger support.

Rehab

Rehab aims to blend key elements of addiction therapy (and, where needed, detox) with personalised mental health support. This can vary from a residential package to an outpatient programme and will be expertly designed to meet your treatment needs.

Seek support

Here at Banbury Lodge, we can help you to take the steps towards an addiction-free future.  Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team. We are here to lend a listening, non-judgmental ear and guide you through potential options for specialist, holistic addiction and mental health support. We are available to talk to you through the bespoke rehab packages we offer to help identify the most appropriate treatment for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions