Many people experience increased anger and irritability when recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction. This can be due to several factors, including the substance’s effects on the brain, underlying mental health conditions, and unresolved personal issues.
If you’ve recently achieved sobriety, it’s important to remember that anger is a common emotion during withdrawal. Seeking support from therapists, support groups, or other sober individuals can help you navigate this challenging period and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Anger in Early Recovery: What’s Really Going On?
Here’s the hard truth: Addiction recovery almost always involves anger. It’s something that must be dealt with, just like every other challenge on this path.
The reasons behind the anger vary, but it’s a persistent condition that affects many people. For many, it’s a buildup of all the issues you’ve been running from for years. You might be working through unresolved emotions or dealing with the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal and recovery. You may be struggling to replace your unhealthy coping mechanisms with newfound sober activities.
All that baggage you’d been burying with substances suddenly comes to the surface.
The basic truth is this: You’re raw. You’ve been through the wringer. It doesn’t take much to aggravate your exposed nerves.
You may feel exhausted, helpless, unloved, or misunderstood. It all makes you angry – all the time.
For those living with an angry sober person? It isn’t any easier. You’re forced to look at all the other issues in your relationship. Maybe you’re surprised that sobriety didn’t solve all those problems.
Now, you have to find a way to work through everything else. That includes the sudden appearance of your partner’s anger in early recovery. The problem, however, is that it’s a kind of anger that your loved one might not understand any more than you do.
Feeling Angry? You’re Not Alone.
Many people struggling with substance abuse also experience anger issues. This can negatively impact relationships with friends, family, and your overall health (raising your blood pressure and risk of heart disease).
If anger feels overwhelming, don’t be afraid to seek help. Treatment facilities can teach you coping skills to identify triggers, manage anger in a controlled way, and practice deep breathing. Support groups can also provide a safe space to connect with others who understand.
Remember, friends and family want to support your recovery – pay attention to their concerns and focus on staying sober for a healthier you and those you love.
Finding a Way Forward
Take comfort in two bits of good news: Feeling this anger is normal. And, yes, it does get better. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do that will help.
- Engage in light exercise a few times each week
- Journal about your emotions
- Talk to a trusted friend, loved one, or therapist
- Take a walk
- Immerse yourself in nature
- Find a calming hobby you enjoy, such as drawing or playing an instrument
There is hope and happiness during and after recovery. For information about treatment options for you or a loved one, get help at
800-681-1058
(
Sponsored)
today.
