Behind the rage:the emotional toll of alcoholism

Alcoholism is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. It is not just a physical addiction, but also a psychological and emotional one. Alcoholism can cause serious damage to the health, relationships, and well-being of the person who suffers from it, as well as their loved ones.

One of the most common and devastating effects of alcoholism is anger. Many people who struggle with alcohol abuse experience intense and uncontrollable rage, often directed at themselves or others. This rage can lead to verbal, physical, or emotional abuse, violence, or self-harm. It can also create a cycle of guilt, shame, and resentment that fuels more drinking and more anger.

But what causes this rage? And how can it be managed or prevented? In this blog post, we will explore some of the possible reasons behind the anger of alcoholics, and some of the ways to cope with it or help someone who is dealing with it.

Possible causes of alcoholic rage

There is no single or simple explanation for why alcoholics become angry. However, some of the possible factors that may contribute to it are:

●     Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment. This means that alcoholics may act on their impulses or emotions without thinking of the consequences or the feelings of others. They may also have difficulty regulating their emotions or coping with stress, frustration, or disappointment.

●     Alcohol alters brain chemistry and function. Alcohol affects the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. These chemicals are responsible for mood, motivation, reward, and relaxation. When alcohol disrupts their balance, it can cause mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, or aggression.

●     Alcohol triggers memories or traumas. Alcohol can also affect the way the brain processes and stores information. It can impair memory formation or retrieval, or cause flashbacks or nightmares of past events. For some alcoholics, drinking may bring up painful or unresolved issues from their childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, such as abuse, neglect, abandonment, or loss. These memories may trigger intense emotions that are difficult to handle or express.

●     Alcohol creates conflict and resentment. Alcoholism can also cause problems in the personal and professional lives of alcoholics. They may face legal troubles, financial difficulties, health issues, or social isolation. They may also have strained or broken relationships with their family members, friends, partners, or coworkers. These problems may cause anger towards themselves or others who they blame for their situation. They may also feel angry at those who try to help them or confront them about their drinking.

Coping mechanisms for alcoholic rage

Alcoholic rage can be very harmful and destructive for both the alcoholic and those around them. However, there are some ways to cope with it or prevent it from escalating. Some of the possible coping mechanisms are:

●     Seek professional help. The best way to deal with alcoholic rage is to treat the underlying cause of it: alcoholism. Seeking professional help from a doctor, therapist, counselor, or addiction specialist can help alcoholics understand their condition and find effective ways to overcome it. They can also provide medication, therapy, support groups, or rehabilitation programs that can help alcoholics recover from their addiction and heal their emotional wounds.

●     Avoid triggers. Another way to cope with alcoholic rage is to avoid situations or factors that may trigger it. This may include avoiding alcohol altogether or limiting its intake; avoiding people or places that may cause stress or conflict; avoiding topics or memories that may evoke negative emotions; and avoiding other substances that may worsen the effects of alcohol.

●     Practice relaxation techniques. A third way to cope with alcoholic rage is to practice relaxation techniques that can help calm the mind and body. This may include breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, massage, music, art, or hobbies that can help reduce stress and anxiety; promote positive emotions; and enhance well-being.

●     Seek support from others. A fourth way to cope with alcoholic rage is to seek support from others who can understand and help. This may include family members, friends, partners, coworkers, or other sober people who can offer emotional support; practical assistance; advice; encouragement; or accountability. They can also help intervene in case of an emergency or crisis.

●     Express emotions in healthy ways. A fifth way to cope with alcoholic rage is to express emotions in healthy ways that do not harm oneself or others. This may include writing in a journal; talking to someone; crying; exercising; venting; or using humor. Expressing emotions can help release pent-up feelings; process thoughts; gain insight; and find solutions.

Conclusion

Alcoholic rage is a serious and common problem that affects many people who suffer from alcoholism and their loved ones. It can have devastating consequences for their health, relationships, and well-being. However, there are some possible causes behind it and some possible ways to cope with it or prevent it from getting worse.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholic rage, please seek professional help as soon as possible. There is hope and help available for you. You are not alone and you deserve to live a happy and healthy life.