by Marty Brenner, CCDC

Depression, anxiety and chronic anger can have a devastating impact on a relationship, even destroying them. Aggressive behavior can have a negative spin on our efforts to communicate, leading to further misunderstanding and angry feelings. When alcohol and/or drugs are added into the mix it becomes worse.

People who have a tendency to become upset and further act out those feelings, often become more aggressive when they’ve had alcohol or other substances. In a research study involving a number of male social drinkers, in which some were given different amounts of alcohol, while some were not allowed any alcohol. It was discovered that those with alcohol in their system, tended to be more aggressive. Addictive substances such as, alcohol, have shown to fuel destructive rages, allowing addicts to express their angry feelings in abusive ways. It can also lead to unwanted or overpowering feelings of need or unfulfilled desires.

Regrettably, most substance abusers don’t even recognize their underlying emotional problems and fail to connect their angry feelings with the use of alcohol, drugs or other substances. As a result, many often don’t get treatment for their condition. It is estimated that some 23 million Americans are wrestling with some form of substance abuse on a daily basis. This creates harm to the addict, their families and not to mention huge financial costs.

Rage is an emotion that often precedes abuse of substances such as, alcohol or other chemicals. Acting out with angry feelings is a common reaction when needs or desires are not met by ourselves and by others. When angry outbursts replace effective communication, it only makes matters worse.  Often times, others do not understand where the outbursts are coming from. Sometimes addicts use alcohol or other substances to numb themselves from the anger.  This is not an effective form of treatment for controlling anger or substance abuse; it only suppresses rather than cures the illness.

Inappropriate outbursts of rage can also be a problem for addicts who are trying to overcome their addiction. An addict can trigger an emotional outburst when frustrated, not having a grasp of understanding and expressions of disapproval from others. Recovering addicts can be overwhelmed by feelings and emotions that are raw and new.  The lack of an understanding support network can impede full recovery.

In addition to damaged interpersonal relationships, substance abuse and untreated rage can cause job loss, accidents or injuries, criminal behavior leading to incarceration, domestic abuse and in the case of pregnant women, harm to the unborn child.

Don’t let drugs, alcohol or outbursts of rage ruin your interpersonal relationships. Using chemical substances to suppress rather than treat the cause of your angry feelings will, in the long run, only make things worse. If you or someone you know has issues with substance abuse or an inability to control outbursts of angry rage, you should seek professional help immediately.

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