The role of Anger in Relapse and Drug Addiction
July 1st, 2005 by Terry Keith
I have repeatedly said that one of the major causes of relapse after drug or alcohol rehab treatment is uncontroled stress or emotional upset. Anger then if not handled properly would be an emotion of high risk after rehab. For any rehab program to be successful there would logically be some components about anger and how to handle it.
What is Anger?
Anger is an unpleasant and uncomfortable feeling arising from an event that is perceived to be an injury, a mistreatment or an opposition to oneself usually showing itself as a desire to fight back at the supposed cause of the feeling.
Anger involves:
Thoughts that trigger and/or maintain anger. Anger is likely to be greater if one presumes oneâ??s anger is justified.
Physiological arousal such as a flushed face, increased heart rate, and blood pressure, sweating, and the release of various stress hormones.
Behaviors or tendencies that are culturally influenced, such as yelling, clenching fists or pouting.
The apparent purpose of protecting or furthering our self interests, which might include loved ones, or causes or cherished principles.(Pg. 3, â??The Anger Management Sourcebook,â?? Glenn R. Schiraldi, Ph.D., & Melissa Hallmark Kerr, Ph.D., Contemporary Books, New York, 2002)
Firstly it might be wise to spend some time and look at how anger has fit into your life in the past. You would want to consider frequency, intensity and duration when considering how “normal” your responses have been in the past. Has bouts of anger lead to drug or alcohol abuse in the past? How is anger viewed in your family? As always it is best to spend some time figuring out where you are before you decide on where you want to go. Over the next few days I will try to give you information about anger and how to handle it, especially in the light of post drug rehab and preventing relapse.
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