San Diego Sober Living - Recovery

Unraveling the Link between Alcoholism & Anger: Causes & Effects

In November 2024, two mental health researchers from the University of Illinois published a study in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse about the dynamics of anger and substance abuse disorder. The data for the study was collected from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, and it involved 28,753 adult respondents. The substances studied included liquor, tobacco, stimulants, opioids, and cannabis. Of the various study findings, one that stands out is the link between anger and liquor, which researchers concluded is stronger and more problematic than all other substances.

Popular Views about Raging Alcoholism

There’s an informal classification of alcoholics in American society that’s largely driven by behavioral observation. Under this colloquial classification, there are happy drunks, sad drunks, clingy drunks, and a few others labeled by their predominant emotional state when they’re inebriated. 

The most worrying label is the angry drunk who becomes verbally abusive, aggressive, and physically violent. When such behaviors devolve into antisocial and pathological issues, angry drunks are labeled “raging alcoholics,” a stigma that complicates recovery for many patients.

Loss of Inhibition as a Primary Factor

Influential thinkers from Plato to Thomas Hobbes and Sigmund Freud supported the idea of society as a necessary structure to manage our inherent urges. Although anger is a complex emotion, it can be summarized as a powerful urge that motivates confrontational and aggressive behavior. 

In society, we develop inhibitions to keep inherent urges in check. This is what prevents us from getting overly angry and violent. When we drink liquor, the biochemical effect of ethanol molecules on the brain’s prefrontal cortex invariably results in disinhibition, thus making us disregard the negative effects of our behavior.

The Neurochemical Imbalance of Alcoholic Rage

In basic neurochemistry, the chain reaction of ethanol consumption begins with a spike in dopamine levels that promotes euphoria. When this effect begins to dissipate, serotonin levels plummet, thus sparking the depressive interaction of ethanol with the central nervous system. This rapid depletion causes a neurochemical imbalance that further erodes inhibition and the regulation of emotions. Then, glutamine neurotransmitters fire up to inject excitement over a desire to assert control and dominance through anger and aggression. 

Neurochemistry varies significantly among individuals. Even with all the advancements in this field, we still can’t determine the precise neurochemical factors that cause some people to get angry when intoxicated.

Anger Caused by Ethanol Withdrawal & Guilt

When severe alcohol use disorder (AUD) results in chemical dependency, many patients experience terrible withdrawal episodes after detoxification. Angry reactions to cravings can be managed through medication and counseling sessions that emphasize the development of coping skills. 

Even after overcoming severe withdrawal, many AUD patients fall into an emotional state underpinned by deep guilt, regret, and remorse. This state can easily trigger anxious anger that can turn problematic during recovery. Although there are neurochemical factors associated with this state, the anger is mostly psychological. For this reason, some patients who stay at facilities such as Encinitas sober living homes as part of their treatment plans also attend anger management classes. This strategy seeks to relieve anger through mindful techniques that boost self-esteem and promote positive behavior. 

If you’re newly sober and you need help dealing with the difficult emotions that come with sobriety, call on the compassionate team at Casa Pacifica. Along with providing Encinitas sober living housing for men, we work with our individual residents to develop customized plans that integrate treatment, aftercare, and recovery support. Our services include sober companionship, coaching, and mentorship for those who are recovering from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. For more information about our sober living facilities, call us today.