Anger is a natural human emotion – and we all experience it from time to time. It becomes concerning when we find ourselves becoming easily angered and when we react on that anger in unhealthy ways; many people in addiction recovery find that substances like alcohol or drugs either numb the anger or perpetuate it, and sometimes anger itself can feel like a double-edged sword. The Better Health Channel explains that anger triggers a person’s “fight-or-flight” response – stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline – are released, body temperature rises and the mind becomes focused.
When anger is used in healthy ways, it can be used to spark movements, inspire people and create major change – but when used unhealthily and when it’s felt too often, there are many physical harms that can take place:
- Headaches
- Digestive problems
- Insomnia
- Increased anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk for heart attack
- And more
Some individuals are more prone to anger than others, and that can certainly place a person at greater risk for aggression. Dr. Howard Kassinove, an anger-expert, and psychologist, told the American Psychological Association (APA),
“Physical expressions of anger, such as sulking, banging the desk or hitting the wall are learned by the forces of reinforcement and copying others.”
As we grow up, we may see adults around us acting on impulse – and this can also take effect into why it’s much easier for someone to display anger than others. Addiction recovery focuses on these types of concerns and provides individuals with healthier coping mechanisms – not to suppress anger, but to express it in healthy ways.
If you’re ready to take a stand for your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, speak with a professional from Cumberland Heights today.
Cumberland Heights is a nonprofit alcohol and drug addiction treatment center located on the banks of the Cumberland River in Nashville, Tennessee. On a sprawling 177-acre campus, we are made up of two 12-Step immersion campuses, 12 outpatient recovery centers and 4 sober living homes. We believe that each person has a unique story to tell – and that’s why we always put the patient first. For more information, call 1-800-646-9998 today.
