Why Is Anger Management Essential to Drug and Alcohol Recovery? One of the underlying causes of addiction is linked to not dealing with anger correctly. Some people turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to calm themselves and attempt to release the feelings associated with anger. However, what they are doing instead is relying upon the substance to induce a calming sensation and release the tension and stress caused by anger. Over time and continued use of the preferred substance, such as cocaine or hard liquor, the body starts to build up tolerance to the substance. So, calming oneself down through the use of a substance requires more of it. Eventually, the person finds themselves addicted to the substance. Now, they have at least two problems needing treatment at Orange County treatment centers: substance addiction and managing their anger. According to a survey completed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 40% of cocaine addicts reported having acted out violent events caused by feelings of anger. This in turn led to attempting to manage the feelings by using cocaine. Similar findings were found from other research data and other substances, like alcohol, methadone, and so on. It is equally important to address anger as part of a complete treatment plan. Not dealing with anger correctly during addiction treatment programs often results in people experiencing a relapse later. As their anger returns, they quickly return to their preferred substance to manage the anger. It is estimated there are approximately 23 million people who have some form of substance addiction and problems with anger. Many of these people do not even realize there is an underlying anger component to their addictive tendencies and behaviors. The original cause for the anger leading to the addiction could have occurred from such life events as: Divorce Child Custody and Visitation Disagreements Loss of Employment Recent Release from Being Incarcerated Painful Bodily Injuries from an Accident Struggling Financially Recent Fit of Rage, Aggression, or Violence Being Charged with a Criminal Offense Other Mental Health Issues and Problems It is common for someone to feel angry whenever these life events happen to them, as well as others. Addressing the anger through an anger management treatment program is highly recommended rather than turning to addictive forming substances. Substance abuse and anger tend to go hand-in-hand, more so in recent years. Whenever life starts to become difficult for some people, they get upset and angry. In turn, they look for a way to deal
with the anger without taking it out on their friends and family. They might start drinking more heavily or start experimenting with different types of controlled substances until they find the ones that work best for their fits of anger. Unfortunately, anger does get the best of them, at times, and results in taking the anger directly out on another person, such as a co-worker, loved one, or even a complete stranger. Due to this relationship between anger and substance abuse, treating both symptoms is vital to ensure the recovery of the individual. Quite frequently, while participating in individual or group alcohol or drug rehab in Orange County, people start to discover the reasons for their anger. Once they have identified the cause of the anger, they can start to learn the right ways to deal with their emotions and better manage their anger without having to turn to controlled substances.