The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but it's probably caused by a number of environmental and biological factors. Explosive eruptions occur suddenly, alcohol depression and anger with little or no warning, and usually last less than 30 minutes. These episodes may occur frequently or be separated by weeks or months of nonaggression.
- Rather, it is an unpleasant but common emotion that everyone experiences from time to time.
- Some evidence suggests that serotonergic dysfunction may be partly to blame for both maladaptive anger and major depression.
- When someone battles AUD, they are also less likely to consistently take care of regular obligations, which can impact interpersonal relationships and their home environment.
- The literature does not, however, describe whether specific areas of self-confidence, such as confidence specifically related to coping with anger and related emotions, predict outcomes.
Longitudinal studies have also shown that childhood maltreatment can predict anger in adulthood. However, the relationship between childhood trauma and anger has not been extensively studied among individuals with affective disorders, where anger is prevalent and can impact treatment outcomes. It's also worth noting a correlation and causation issue here in that substance abuse and diagnosed depression often coexist in many people, which can make it hard to pinpoint where one problem ends and another begins.
The Anger Iceberg: How Emotions Affect Everything, Including Alcoholism
This is a common part of diagnosis because both so frequently occur together. The “burst” of energy from alcohol can be a welcome relief against some symptoms. For example, alcohol may temporarily reduce anxiety and lower inhibitions.
But these programs do not address only addiction – they also often offer counseling services to talk through your issues with anger. More than anything, a rehab program can help you create ways to deal https://ecosoberhouse.com/ with both alcoholism and anger. Even if you’re not ready to attend a more formal alcoholism rehab program or one-on-one counseling, it is a good idea to start attending an AA community support group.
Does Depression Drive You to Drink?
Drinking may also be a method to self-medicate negative emotions, including anger. Alcohol is a depressant substance, meaning that it helps to suppress some of the “fight-or-flight” stress reactions that anger can induce. Repeated alcohol abuse as a coping mechanism increases the odds for developing problems related to alcohol, however. It also raises the risk for negative consequences of outbursts related to explosive and uncontrolled anger. In addition to potential mental health disorders related to difficulties managing anger, there are several physical side effects of unchecked and chronic anger. This activates the stress response, which speeds up heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, and increases body temperature.
