Some individuals exhibit “trait anger,” a personality trait that means they continually look for triggers that make them angry. Researchers have studied the connection between anger and aggression for years. There’s a reason the angry drunk is such a familiar stereotype. However, it’s about more than getting easily upset or having a short fuse when you drink alcohol.
Addiction Destroys Dreams, We Can Help
Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. If you or a loved one is struggling why does alcohol make you angry with alcoholism, contact FHE Health today and get on the road to recovery. You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings.
Alcohol and Anger: Causes, Dangers, How to Help
It makes people — even their closest friends — less willing to spend time with them. It can have a major impact on their family members’ quality of life and even be a detriment to the healthy development of any children they have. In the study, there were 34 randomly determined trials, and the researchers made sure that the participant won half of them. Each time the participant was randomly selected to lose, they received an electric shock that increased in length and intensity over the course of the trials. This allowed researchers to identify if participants would react to the shocks that they believed an opponent had given them by retaliation with a more aggressive shock.
Aggression?
This means that you’re not feeding into, justifying or trying to combat the person’s anger, or emotionally engaging with someone who isn’t able to think reasonably. If someone has raised concerns over your drinking behaviours and anger issues, or if you’ve started to worry that alcohol might be a problem for you, now might be the time to change your drinking habits. This means that after having a drink, some people may be less able to see things from another person’s point of view. They may have less tolerance and patience for others, which can lead to angry outbursts. Find out about the link between alcohol and anger, and the things you can do to stop getting aggressive when you’ve had a drink.
How to stop being aggressive when you’ve had a drink
There’s no better way to put it — properly addressing alcohol-fueled aggression is crucial for your well-being and relationships. By seeking recovery for problems with alcohol and anger, you can work toward a more positive life. Those with alcohol dependence may be more impulsive over time.
- Not only will this mean you’re more able to keep your anger under control, but it’ll also result in numerous other health benefits.
- Alcoholic rage syndrome refers to a pattern of intense anger and aggression triggered by alcohol consumption.
- By contrast, some individuals’ alcohol consumption contributes to their anger, hostility, and even aggression.
- This point is easier said than done, but you can achieve it with help from a treatment program.
If you have been the victim of violent or aggressive behaviour, report it to the police. Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger, 101 it it’s not an emergency, or you can report crime to the police online. The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while doing so.
- One common therapeutic method employed is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- But there is strong evidence of a link between alcohol and aggression.
- A person should be able to express and deal with their emotions in a proper manner.
- If you’ve ever wondered why a refreshing drink sometimes leads you down Anger Avenue, you’re not alone.
The outcomes of alcohol and anger can be hazardous, causing traumatizing situations for the inebriated person and the people around them. Managing alcohol intake is crucial not only for physical health but also for preserving your mental well-being. Alcohol has been shown to disrupt neurotransmitters, which can elevate the risk of anxiety, depression, impulsivity and psychosis over time, says Diaz.