The National Institutes of Health say approximately 17 million adults in the United States are alcoholics or problem drinkers. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that causes the body to become dependent on alcohol. As such, beer and/or liquor can become obsessions that cause an alcoholic to lose control over his drinking. The problems associated with alcoholism, including anger, can have a major effect on all areas of an alcoholic's life.
Considerations
Each year, 85,000 people in the United States die of alcohol-related causes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Murder and suicide rates are higher among alcoholics. Individuals who abuse alcohol are also more likely to be involved in domestic abuse, much more likely to get divorced and are more apt to be unemployed.
Aggression
Alcoholics are more likely to become frustrated and angry compared to those who don't have problems with alcohol. Alcohol also may give an alcoholic the courage to act on his feelings of anger. A study on alcohol and aggression conducted by Roland Gustafson, who is affiliated with the Department of Social Sciences, Division of Psychology, at the University of Orebro, Sweden, suggests that alcohol weakens brain mechanisms that typically control impulsive behaviors. The findings were published in the "Journal of Offender Rehabilitation" in 1994.
Additional Research
There is ongoing research to better understand and deal with the connection between anger and alcoholism. Researchers at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions in New York launched a 5-year study in 2008 that is looking into how the angry emotions of alcoholics might be dealt with in outpatient treatment. The study is funded by a $1.8 million grant from the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Anger in Recovery
While alcohol abuse can lead to feelings of aggression and anger, its numbing effects may also help mask certain feelings. These buried emotions may rise to the surface when an alcoholic sobers up. An alcoholic in recovery needs to learn how to deal with angry emotions in a healthy manner.
Solution
Twelve-step recovery programs typically recommend that alcoholics talk with a counselor or sponsor (another alcoholic in recovery) who can guide them as they work through their feelings of anger. It may also help to write about their feelings or share them in recovery meetings.
