Anger Management and Addiction

Poor anger management and addiction are often co-occurring conditions, which is known as dual diagnosis. The two issues can feed off each other, which can double their destructiveness. Here are some of the reasons that they are so closely linked:

Losing control

Both poor anger management and addiction ultimately come down to an inability to control your actions and reactions. When addiction takes hold or you are unable to keep your anger in check, it can make you act in ways that are completely out of character, almost as if you are a different person.

Shared roots

Both addiction and anger management issues often stem from deeper, unresolved issues. Trauma, grief, stress or a family history of addiction or anger problems can all contribute to both struggles.

Denial

Denial is a powerful force in addiction, and it often comes out as anger. When someone with an addiction feels cornered or judged about their substance use or behaviour, their immediate reaction can be explosive. This defensiveness and hostility can push loved ones away, putting immense strain on your relationships with the most important people in your life.

Self-directed anger

Addiction often breeds intense anger at yourself. The frustration of not being able to quit, the guilt of hurting those you love or the stigma of addiction can all fuel this inner rage. Tragically, many people then turn back to substances or addictive behaviours to numb these painful feelings, trapping them in the cycle.

Recognising the signs of poor anger management is crucial for understanding when it’s time to seek help, especially if addiction is involved. Here are some key anger management symptoms to be aware of:

• Lashing out at those around you with hurtful words, threats or physical aggression.
• Your anger flares up or becomes harder to control when you use drugs or alcohol.
• Becoming enraged if someone tries to interfere with your substance use or addictive behaviours.
• Blaming others for your substance use or the consequences of your actions.
• Your friends and family feel like they have to be careful about what they do or say around you, especially when you have been using substances.
• Struggling to move on from past events, holding onto grudges and letting anger simmer, especially when under the influence.
• Acting recklessly, picking fights or exhibiting other angry behaviour when you can’t get drugs or alcohol.

These poor anger management symptoms are very common in people with addiction, and they often need professional help to deal with.

Trying to beat addiction is tough enough on its own, but when you also have anger management issues, recovery can seem like an unscalable mountain. At Oasis Runcorn, we understand this challenge deeply and our rehab treatment programmes have helped countless people break free from addiction while also learning to manage their anger better.

Some of the most important forms of addiction and anger management therapy include:

Personal therapy

These one-on-one sessions are where you get to really dig into the “why” behind your anger management and addiction troubles. You will work closely with a therapist who truly listens, helping you make sense of the chaos and find your way to a calmer, more controlled life.

Group therapy sessions

Group therapy is about finding strength in numbers. Knowing that others face the same challenges can make you feel less isolated, and you can share all your struggles and successes.

Behavioural therapies

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps you take control of your life’s narrative. By changing the way you think, you can start to shift the patterns that keep you stuck in anger and addiction. Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) takes things a step further by combining CBT with mindfulness. It helps you stay calm, centred and in control, even when life gets chaotic.

Family therapy

Family therapy is a chance to mend the relationships that mean the most to you. It is a time for honest conversations, forgiveness and moving forward as a stronger, more united family.

Yoga and meditation

Meditation and yoga provide a sanctuary of calm in a world that often feels overwhelming. These practices help you slow down, breathe and find peace, making it easier to manage anger and emotional reactions.

Long-term support

Once you’ve completed treatment, we provide ongoing support through our aftercare programme. For a year after you leave, we offer free weekly group therapy sessions that will help you follow the personalised relapse prevention plan you made in rehab. You will also be welcomed to our Alumni network, which offers special events and a community of supportive peers and friends.

Come home to yourself with Oasis Runcorn. Our treatment programmes can help you work through addiction and all the anger management issues it can cause. Reach out to us today, and we will help you walk the path back to sobriety, health and deeper peace.