Anger is a natural part of human nature. In fact, anger as an emotion actually helps keep us safe by recognising when we’re in a dangerous situation.
However, anger and aggressive behaviour are also symptoms of substance addiction. Dealing with addiction to alcohol or drugs can cause excess anger for some, even when they’re in a safe environment.
Understanding why this is, as well as what signs to look out for, can help those who need it get the help they need that bit faster. As such, we’ve explored what drugs cause anger and how to navigate anger management and addiction, so you don’t have to.
We’ll learn what it is about addiction that can cause anger, as well as what substances are commonly linked to aggressive behaviour, in this blog.
What Causes Anger in People With Addiction?
Living with addiction can be extremely taxing. As such, you may notice those with addiction experience more frequent outbursts of anger or irritability. But what causes these outbursts?
Everyone experiences anger at some point. Most of the time, this can be traced back to unprocessed feelings from past experiences that are triggered by a current scenario. For example, growing up around aggression can trigger fear later in life when someone raises their voice, even if they’re not doing so out of anger.
All of this is no different for those battling addiction. Anger is a symptom of the addiction; it’s not a personality trait.
A person dealing with addiction may be holding onto feelings of shame, humiliation, and sadness relating to their unhealthy relationship with substances. As a result, they can be easily triggered by situations that typically wouldn’t bother them.
What Drugs Are Commonly Linked to Anger?
While anger can be a triggered emotional reaction, some specific types of drugs are more commonly linked to issues with anger.
Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine, and depressants like opioids, are all types of drugs linked to anger. Both impact brain chemistry, but in slightly different ways.
Studies show depressants lower inhibitions, slowing the central nervous system, which is the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control. As such, people may find it harder to ignore impulsive thoughts, acting on anger instead of taking time to regulate.
With stimulants, the brain is flooded with dopamine (the ‘feel-good’ chemical) and norepinephrine, which is linked to the body’s fight-or-flight response. When these are imbalanced or oversaturated, it can increase anxiety, restlessness, and aggression.
Addiction to prescription drugs within the sedative category can alter chemical levels in the brain. In some cases, this can lead to increased levels of anger.
While sedatives are meant to reduce aggression, they can occasionally end up doing the opposite. Brain functions responsible for impulse control and inhibition can be suppressed with sedatives such as benzodiazepines, potentially causing outbursts of aggressive behaviour.
Emotional regulation is affected here as well, making it difficult for people to process emotions or self-regulate - known as emotional blunting. This can be incredibly frustrating for the person, leading them to act out in anger or irritability.
Steroids are perhaps the most well-known for their link to anger, and this is often referred to as ‘roid rage’.
As steroids impact neurotransmitters in the brain, levels of serotonin can start to decrease, while the dopamine and vasopressin increase. It’s this imbalance of chemicals that can trigger aggression in someone taking large doses of steroids or dealing with an addiction to the substance.
There are a few reasons why alcohol can make people experience more anger and aggressive outbursts, but it's mostly to do with the impact the substance has on the brain.
Alcohol impairs the frontal lobe, which is the part of the brain that controls impulses, judgment, and emotional regulation. As such, it can be more difficult to rationalise and self-regulate when you drink, causing outbursts of aggression that wouldn’t normally happen sober.
How Do I Know if Addiction is Making Me Angry?
It can be difficult to notice an anger problem within yourself, especially if you’re also struggling with addiction at the same time.
To understand your reactions and behaviour a little better, try asking yourself these questions:
- Have loved ones commented that you seem to be more aggressive after drinking or using drugs?
- Do you often notice those around you are left upset as a result of your behaviour?
- Do you feel angry if someone denies you a drink or restricts your access to drugs?
- Do you spend a lot of time dwelling on the past or scenarios in which another person has hurt you?
- Does your behaviour only turn aggressive after a drink or when you use drugs?
- Do you find yourself blaming others for the consequences of any aggressive outbursts? Or do you blame them for the addiction in the first place?
- Have your loved ones told you they feel they need to ‘walk on eggshells’ when around you?
If you are at all concerned about addiction or substance misuse causing aggressive behaviour, it’s best to reach out to a medical professional who’ll be able to provide treatment.
How Can I Treat Aggressive Behaviour Caused by Addiction?
If you’re struggling with aggressive behaviour caused by addiction, then the best way to manage it is to treat the addiction itself – we know this is easier said than done.
This is why we offer expert addiction recovery treatment to help you regain control of your life, leaving addiction in the past. With dedicated help from people who truly care, recovery is entirely possible.
Our residential treatment centre offers treatment for both alcohol and drug addiction. Here, you’ll receive compassionate, professional guidance to help you reach sobriety safely. You’ll get detox support, recovery treatment, and dedicated aftercare all included as well.
Stonebridge Communities Helps You Treat Addiction Anger at the Source
Dealing with addiction on your own can feel incredibly isolating, but you don’t need to go it alone. Our expert addiction recovery services are created with you in mind.
We have a friendly team of dedicated recovery specialists on hand to guide you through the entire process. From start to finish, we’re right by your side. Get in touch with us today, and we can advise you on the best path for you.
You can contact us via phone on 01934 311965 or send us an email to info@stonebridge.rehab. Alternatively, you can fill out our callback form, and a member of our team will give you a call at a time that suits you.
