While the neurochemical effects of alcohol are universal, not everyone becomes an angry drunk. This is where psychological factors come into play, creating a perfect storm for some individuals when combined with alcohol’s effects on the brain. Alcoholic rage syndrome is when a person becomes extremely angry and violent after drinking. It’s related to alcohol-induced anger because both are caused by the effects of alcohol on the brain. Binge drinking in a setting with others who are also intoxicated can lead to competitive or confrontational situations.

Feel the Results

They may try to claim that their behavior isn’t as serious of a problem as you say, or perhaps even blame you for their actions. By rationalizing their behavior in this way, a person who gets drunk and angry may deflect responsibility for their actions by blaming what they’ve done on the amount of alcohol they’ve consumed. Self-awareness is important for everyone’s mental health, but it is especially necessary for people with AUD and anger issues. Understanding alcohol and aggression your emotions and making smart decisions about alcohol consumption is the best way to avoid problems. At Priory, our residential alcohol addiction treatment programmes have been specifically designed to help you to overcome your dependence on alcohol and get back on track.

• Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through!
• Heavy drinkers are more likely to engage in risky behavior, which includes being violent and acting out hostile emotions, often against a loved one.
• If you need support, or your partner is ready to reach out for help, take the first steps today by contacting a licensed therapist on Regain.
• It may be that rather than making people angry, alcohol makes people who are prone to anger more likely to act on those feelings.

What lifestyle changes can support better emotional health?

Being overly polite might seem kind, but it often leads to problems anyway, in relationships, with friends, and at work.

Alcohol, inhibition, and anger

When you drink alcohol, parts of your brain that manage anger are suppressed, making it more likely for angry feelings to bubble to the surface. One study found that chronic alcohol use decreases the function in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a key role in impulse control. They were also required to respond to the Consideration of Future Consequence Scale (CFC). It was found that those scoring lower became significantly more aggressive than those who had higher ratings on the CFC. The findings were explained by emphasizing that concern for the future involves greater prefrontal cortex resources that help inhibit the excessive impact of alcohol. When treating alcohol abuse or addiction, all the underlying issues need to be treated as well.

• Similarly, a low socioeconomic background can also make you express anger outbursts more often.
• When they come out, others notice them because they’re not a part of the everyday social experience.
• Professional treatment for alcohol-related anger can help avoid the habit of drinking and decrease the likelihood of alcohol-related aggression.
• However, because of the reasons above, alcohol worsens mood swings and anger issues in people who are already generally hot-tempered people.
• Certain gene variants might make some of us more susceptible to alcohol-induced aggression.
• If someone has raised concerns over your drinking behaviours and anger issues, or if you’ve started to worry that alcohol might be a problem for you, now might be the time to change your drinking habits.

However, for some, alcohol can cause anger and aggression, which can become a real problem. Those struggling with anger management issues can become unpredictable and unsafe, and even the smallest issues can cause them to lose their temper. These days, people who misuse alcohol can enroll in various treatment programs, whether you choose the 12-step approach or decide to enter residential treatment. If you’re looking for help getting started, it’s wise to speak with your physician first.

• The outcomes of alcohol and anger can be hazardous, causing traumatizing situations for the inebriated person and the people around them.
• There are other adverse effects of alcohol that might also be present.
• It’s a natural human response when life seems unfair or something you value is under threat.
• If you or someone you love is battling aggression and alcohol misuse, help is available.
• Since ruminating on unpleasant thoughts can fuel alcohol-related aggression, learning to let things go may be key to improving.

The Perfect Storm: Psychological Factors Behind Angry Drunk Behavior

Are you interested in reading about other people’s experiences with online therapy? Check out some of the reviews of Regain counselors below, written by people who have gone through challenges with partners who have anger management or alcohol addiction issues. When your partner is angry and intoxicated, life can be confusing and unpredictable. Many people who are intoxicated and angry may become verbally or physically aggressive, acting in an incongruent way with how you may know them to be when they are sober. Because of this behavior change, living with this kind of person may feel like you are constantly walking on eggshells to avoid triggering an argument. amphetamine addiction treatment This can potentially lead to binge drinking or alcohol use disorder, which may both affect mental health.

Typical Risk Factors for Alcohol-Related Aggression

Consuming alcohol can serve as a distraction from a range of negative feelings, including anger. And all too often, as in Ryan’s case, it reflects displacement, directing anger toward a target that is not the source of an individual’s original anger. Under the influence of alcohol, those already predisposed toward anger may vent or, more seriously, direct their anger toward a target that might be experienced as less threatening than the original target. Yes, managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms can contribute to lower blood pressure levels. Techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and relaxation can help regulate emotions and promote heart health.