The Angry Drunk: How Alcohol and Aggression Are Linked

why am i angry when i drink

It was found that thought suppression mediated the association between the toughness masculine norm and alcohol-related aggression. Navigating sobriety is challenging under any circumstance, but the holidays can exaggerate that challenge. And, navigating sobriety while feeling alone can be especially difficult. Loneliness is a powerful emotional trigger, particularly for those battling substance… The last month of the year can be one of the most challenging times for people striving to maintain or begin sobriety.

Addictions Counselor

Problem drinking exists on a spectrum that ranges from mild https://ecosoberhouse.com/ habitual behaviour to severe physical dependence. The more you practice a new tool, the quicker you’ll be to reach for it when you feel yourself getting agitated or overwhelmed. These eventually become the coping strategies that replace your need to drink. Mindfulness practices like meditation, breathwork, and stretching allow us to reduce the stress caused by distressing emotions and increase our capacity to process them rather than run, numb, and escape.

Call for Help With Addiction

why am i angry when i drink

Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, why am i angry when i drink founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands the complex needs of those struggling with addiction and utilizes a comprehensive and holistic approach to address them. He is well-versed in traditional and innovative therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness-based interventions. There are several theories to explain why alcohol makes you aggressive.

Psychological and Social Factors

So if you’ve ever found yourself getting angry when you drink, this article is for you. As an integral part of The Freedom Center, Melissa’s multifaceted experience shines through her past work in various capacities. Her presence on this team highlights her dedication to crisis intervention and her ability to provide critical support during vulnerable times. Prior to her role in crisis intervention, Melissa worked extensively in the substance abuse and dual diagnoses treatment field. Above all, Melissa’s authenticity shines through her self-disclosure as someone in long-term recovery herself.

why am i angry when i drink

Reduce your alcohol use

Finally, it is important to remember that it is okay to ask for help. If the person is becoming too angry or out of control, it may be necessary to call for professional help. If you are concerned that you or someone you care about has a problem with alcohol there is a lot of help available.

I believe we’re capable of bringing about positive change through collective action. With enough commitment from both individuals and societies, we can reduce the prevalence of ‘angry drunks’ over time. Interestingly enough, research heroin addiction shows that approximately 25% of people who consume alcohol fall into the category of ‘angry drunks’. That’s right – one in four drinkers could potentially show signs of aggression when under the influence! Essentially, it refers to individuals who exhibit aggressive behavior when they consume alcohol.

The Prefrontal Cortex

  • When these issues combine with alcohol use, you may find it harder to regulate your emotions and react aggressively.
  • And the good news is — it’s never too late to learn how to deal with emotions in a healthy way.
  • Others may have developed an inability to feel and process distressing emotions throughout their drinking career.
  • The holiday season, with its festive gatherings, increased social pressures, and emotional intensity, creates obstacles that aren’t always easy to…

In addition to the title of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Kevin is also licensed by the state of Maryland as a Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor. He holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and has over 26 years of experience as a substance use/mental health counselor with the Montgomery County Government. Whether he’s leading groups or providing individual and family therapy, Kevin’s passion for serving those suffering from substance use disorders is always on display.

Statistics show that violence related to alcohol can lead to significant injuries and other issues. As for the rest of my friend group, we’re all handling this frankly unwelcome change in different ways. Molly hasn’t cut out alcohol completely, but she does do dry months to give her body a break. Alexis recently decided not to drink during the week anymore, but weekends are still up for debate.

  • “Trait anger” refers to a person’s general aggression or tendency to experience anger over time.
  • While the study did not support a significant difference between groups high and low in anger, these results support the notion that such impairment in facial recognition may contribute to aggressive responding.
  • It is also important to practice self-control and try to stay in control of your emotions.

I’m a woman in my 40s. Why do I feel terrible every time I have a drink?

why am i angry when i drink

Prior to entering the substance abuse and mental health field, Erin was a Special Education Teacher for 10 years. Shannon is a certified A.D.T. who has worked in different capacities at several rehabilitation centers in the state of Maryland. Shannon has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in Political Science. Prior to entering the substance abuse and mental health field, Shannon was a Corporate Executive for 18 years. Drinking cocktails that include energy drinks should be considered a possible factor for aggressive behavior as well.

Understanding Anger and Aggression

why am i angry when i drink

Many factors come into play here like amount consumed, frequency of drinking and personal temperament. He earned a Bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania while pursuing his CAC-AD. With strong ties to Victory Christian Church and the 12-step community, Federico shares an amazing personal story of redemption and long-term recovery. With over 32 years in the arena of addiction and sobriety, he uses his vast experience to provide a unique approach to mentorship and guiding our clients toward a supportive lifestyle of recovery.

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