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In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center. Alcohol may make the individual appear to be calm and relaxed and nothing more. It may be years before a consistent escalation in consumption might begin triggering negative effects in their life.
Another study explored the relationship between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alcohol use, and violence (Blakey et al., 2018). This was a massive study of 33,215 individuals with no history of active military combat. An increase in anger after trauma and the use of alcohol to cope with PTSD symptoms were stronger predictors of physically aggressive or violent acts than alcoholic rage syndrome a lifetime diagnosis of PTSD without anger. 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.
The Link Between Alcohol and Aggression
AA meetings are typically open to anyone who wants to attend, and offer a nonjudgmental and supportive environment to talk through the effects alcoholism has had on your personal life. It may be a great first step on the path to addressing how alcoholism has made you angry – and vice versa. “You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” ~ Buddha Feeling anger is part of being human. From toddlers to old men, everyone experiences anger from time to time. But taken too far, anger can make existing addictions worse – and even become a drug of its own.
A mental health professional can help determine if you have an underlying mental health condition that’s causing your anger issues and requires treatment. If you believe your anger is out of control or if it’s negatively affecting your life or relationships, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. People with intermittent explosive disorder tend to have poor life satisfaction and lower quality of life. It can have a very negative impact on your health and can lead to severe personal and relationship problems. Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a mental health condition marked by frequent impulsive anger outbursts or aggression. The episodes are out of proportion to the situation that triggered them and cause significant distress.
Can You Develop Heart Palpitations From Drinking Alcohol?
The study involved 495 adults, with an average age of 23, who were social drinkers. Before participating, the participants were screened for any past or present drug, alcohol and psychiatric-related problems. But people without that trait don’t get any more aggressive when drunk than they would when they’re sober.
Furthermore, an angry drunk may not feel like consequences matter, making it seem like a good idea from their perspective to create or partake in a dangerous situation. If you or someone you love is battling aggression and alcohol misuse, help is available. Consult with a mental health professional and/or an addiction specialist who can provide resources and recommendations for treatment options. Among the many studied physiological and behavioral effects of alcohol is disinhibition, or reduced control over impulses or urges after intoxication. Disinhibition can make you unable to suppress or change an act of aggression that is not appropriate for the situation you’re in. Luckily, that clarity can be beneficial, because it means that you have a chance to put your foot down and stop what you’re doing.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder and Co-Occurring Disorders
The same goes for alcoholism – and overcoming both of them at the same time can seem daunting. With the right kind of help, you can put anger and alcoholism behind you and move toward a happier, healthier life. One of the components during treatment for alcoholism is the psychosocial education piece. These are classes that provide instruction about how to improve interpersonal relating.
Therefore, seeking a solution for alcohol-related aggression is essential for your future health and safety. There are several risk factors, all of which impact people differently. One study found that chronic alcohol use decreases the function in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in impulse control. Drinking cocktails that include energy drinks should be considered a possible factor for aggressive behavior as well.