If you have difficulty managing your anger, then enrolling in an anger management program is essential to get your life back on track. Anger is a natural expression that almost everyone experiences, but when it gets out of control it can lead to a whole range of problems. These issues can include substance abuse. Managing anger can be difficult and many people will seek out drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms. Self-medicating can be especially dangerous and lead to addiction.
Here we’ll discuss the relationship between anger and substance abuse, as well as some of the reasons why anger management is an important part of recovery.
The Impact of Anger on Your Life
As previously mentioned, having trouble controlling your anger can lead to many problems. They can include both physical and psychological issues. Here are some common problems that occur when someone can’t control their anger:
Interpersonal: One of the clearest examples of issues arising from out-of-control anger is relationship problems. Someone who is always angry will have difficulty maintaining close relationships and many people will feel unsafe around them. This is especially true when it comes to children and younger individuals.
Professional: Career problems often arise when you have difficulty controlling anger. If you lash out at the workplace you can jeopardize employment or the ability to advance in your career. Oftentimes, individuals who are always angry find themselves repeatedly unemployed and struggling to find stable forms of employment.
Mental: Anger clouds your judgment and being upset all the time can take a toll on your psychological and emotional wellbeing.
Physical: High levels of stress can increase the risk of high-blood pressure, digestive problems, diabetes, heart disease, and other ailments.
Why Are Angry People Prone to Substance Abuse?
When someone is dealing with uncontrollable bouts of anger and rage, it’s very easy to fall into the trap of substance abuse and addiction. There are several reasons why someone with anger management issues may look towards drugs or alcohol to cope. They include:
- Using drugs or alcohol to numb their feelings of anger and rage.
- Resorting to drugs to cope with job loss or interpersonal problems.
- Trying to escape the deep-seeded pain that is often the cause of anger management problems.
How Can Anger Management Help Recovery
There are many ways anger management can help someone recover from a substance abuse or alcohol problem. By addressing the sources of an individual’s anger, they’ll be more likely to understand what causes them to lose control in the first place. Additionally, learning how to cope with anger is an essential part of managing negative emotions. By employing tools to control anger, like humor, distraction, and relaxation, one can utilize these skills to reduce incidents of rage. This, in turn, can help someone stop relying on physical substances to combat uncontrolled anger episodes leading to better outcomes overall.
Solstice Counseling & Wellness Center: We’re Here to Help
At Solstice Counseling & Wellness Center, we strive to provide a total approach to treating addiction and substance abuse disorders. We offer a range of programs, including anger management and an outpatient treatment program in NJ, that help our clients overcome the obstacles and achieve the results they desire. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule your appointment.