Alcoholism And Anger: Is It Okay To Be Mad?

Alcoholism is a disease that can have devastating effects on the alcoholic and those around them. Alcohol impairs cognitive function, making it difficult to control anger and make good decisions. It can amplify emotions, and for some, this can mean an increase in anger and aggression. This can lead to traumatizing situations, including intimate partner violence, and the destruction of meaningful relationships. It is important to recognize that alcoholism is a treatable condition and that help is available for both the alcoholic and those affected by their behavior. So, is it okay to be mad at an alcoholic? The answer is complex and depends on various factors, including the impact of the alcoholic's behavior on others and the understanding that alcoholism is a disease.

Alcoholism is a disease, not a failing

It is understandable to feel angry or frustrated towards an alcoholic loved one due to their actions. However, it is important to recognize that alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is a complex condition that falls under the category of substance use disorder, a chronic disease of the brain that can affect anyone. It involves significant changes in brain function, particularly in the reward system, which can lead to uncontrollable drinking habits that severely impact daily life, relationships, and health.

Alcoholism is not simply a matter of choice or a moral failing. Research has shown that addiction is associated with changes in the brain's structure and function, specifically in the communication between nerve cells. These alterations can lead to impaired impulse control, cognitive function, and emotional regulation, making it challenging for individuals to control their drinking even when faced with negative consequences. Recognizing alcoholism as a disease helps destigmatize the condition and encourages a compassionate approach to treatment and recovery.

The impact of alcoholism extends beyond the individual and can have profound effects on their families, friends, and the community. It can lead to domestic violence, child abuse, and strained relationships. The anger and frustration directed towards an alcoholic may be a result of the harm and pain caused by their actions. However, it is crucial to understand that the disease model of alcoholism provides a framework for effective intervention and treatment.

While the disease concept of alcoholism has been debated, with some arguing for a social learning perspective, the American Medical Association (AMA) classified alcoholism as a disease in 1956, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defined addiction as a chronic brain disorder in 2011. This medical recognition is essential for developing treatment strategies and fostering empathy for those struggling with alcoholism.

In conclusion, recognizing alcoholism as a disease, rather than a failing, is crucial for promoting understanding, providing effective treatment, and reducing stigma. It highlights the biological and psychological complexities underlying the condition and emphasizes the need for a compassionate societal response. While it is normal to experience a range of emotions towards an alcoholic, support, and encouragement during their recovery journey are vital.

Alcohol's impact on aggression

Alcohol affects people differently. While some people may become sad when drunk, others may be more prone to anger and aggression. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption is associated with aggressive behaviour more closely than the use of any other psychotropic substance.

Alcohol impairs cognitive function, making it difficult to problem-solve, control anger, and make good decisions. It also affects how you perceive situations, process information, and express your thoughts and emotions. For instance, if you are sober and someone bumps into you, you may not perceive it as a provocation. However, if you are intoxicated, you might respond aggressively. This is because alcohol suppresses inhibition, making it harder to think straight and affecting your brain chemistry. It can amplify emotions and make it more difficult to conceal and manage them.

There are several cognitive, neurobiological, and social factors that can influence how alcohol affects aggression. For instance, a lack of impulse control can make it difficult to resist the urge to act aggressively. Additionally, people who tend to ignore the future consequences of their behaviour have been found to display more aggression. The presence of the serotonin 2B receptor gene (HTR2B) also plays a role in impulsive and aggressive behaviours while under the influence of alcohol. Furthermore, research has shown that omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies in people with alcoholism are associated with violence.

Alcohol-related aggression and violence can have severe impacts and cause significant personal suffering and socioeconomic costs. It is a widespread issue, with nearly one in three violent acts in Germany in 2011 being committed under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol-related aggression can also lead to intimate partner violence, with children of parents or caregivers with problematic alcohol use being nearly three times more likely to be in a home affected by domestic violence.

Alcohol's impact on the brain

Alcohol impacts the brain in several ways, and its effects can be both immediate and long-lasting. Alcohol is absorbed through the lining of the stomach into the bloodstream and reaches the brain within five minutes, affecting the drinker within ten minutes.

In the short term, alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, affecting the brain's appearance and functionality. It impairs cognitive function, making it difficult to problem-solve, control anger, make good decisions, and process information. This can lead to feelings of tension and anxiety and increase the risk of aggressive behaviour. Alcohol also affects the brain regions that control balance, memory, speech, and judgment, resulting in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes.

In the long term, heavy and repeated drinking can lead to progressive changes in the brain's structure and function, including alterations in the neurons, such as reductions in their size. These changes can compromise brain function and lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcohol produces chemical imbalances in specific neurocircuits and can be neurotoxic, impacting brain regions involved in motivation, memory, decision-making, impulse control, attention, sleep regulation, and other cognitive functions.

Adolescent brains are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of alcohol, with misuse during this period potentially resulting in long-lasting changes in brain structure and function.

Alcohol can also induce blackouts, which are gaps in memory during intoxication due to the temporary blockage of memory consolidation in the hippocampus. An alcohol overdose occurs when alcohol shuts down brain areas controlling vital functions, leading to mental confusion, loss of consciousness, vomiting, seizures, trouble breathing, and extremely low body temperature.

It is important to note that the impact of alcohol on aggression and anger is complex and varies across individuals. While alcohol can amplify emotions and remove inhibitions, it does not directly cause anger or aggression. Instead, it may increase the likelihood of these emotions and behaviours in those who already have underlying tendencies or challenges.

Alcohol and anger management

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that impairs decision-making and can lead to a loss of self-control. It is a psychoactive drug that temporarily alters mood, perception, and feelings. While it may seem like anger is the most common emotion caused by alcohol, it is not always the case. Alcohol can cause different emotional responses in different people. Some people become chatty and confident, while others crave intimacy and closeness. Alcohol can also make some people more emotional than usual, causing them to cry more easily.

However, for some, alcohol can indeed cause anger and aggression, which can become a real problem. Anger is an emotion made up of many different feelings like dissatisfaction, displeasure, hurt, and frustration. It’s a natural human response when life seems unfair or something valuable is under threat. When people are drunk, they may experience a phenomenon called "alcohol myopia," which involves losing their sense of perception. As a result, they may be overly aggressive in situations where they would normally notice the cues that tell them to think more rationally.

Binge drinking, in particular, increases the risk of behaving aggressively and being harmed by other people's anger. Alcohol impairs cognitive function, making it more difficult to problem-solve, control anger, and make good decisions. It also affects how people perceive situations and process information, increasing the likelihood of misinterpreting others' behaviour and overreacting. Alcohol reduces inhibitions and the ability to control impulses, making it challenging to resist the urge to act angrily. Additionally, alcohol can reduce feelings of empathy, leading to lower tolerance and patience for others, which can contribute to angry outbursts.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anger management issues and alcohol use, it's important to seek help. Psychotherapy is the primary approach for the co-treatment of alcohol use and anger management, but medication may also be part of the treatment plan. Quitting alcohol cold turkey can lead to health issues, so it's best to seek professional support. Individuals can also practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness to help manage feelings of anger or aggression.

How to deal with an angry drunk

Alcohol affects people differently, and while some may become more boisterous, brave, or exuberant, others may become angry or aggressive when drunk. This complex issue is influenced by various factors, including neurobiological, cognitive, and social aspects, as well as individual differences in how the brain processes emotions and inhibitions.

If you are dealing with an angry drunk person, here are some ways to handle the situation:

• Maintain a calm and non-confrontational demeanour: It is natural to feel upset or threatened when dealing with an angry drunk person, but it is crucial to stay calm. It is easier to defuse a situation when both parties are not agitated. Speak in a soft, soothing tone to avoid escalating the situation.
• Do not engage: The intoxicated person is not in their right mind, and you are unlikely to get a rational response. Attempts to reason with them may be futile and could escalate the situation.
• Listen and show empathy: While not engaging in arguments, it is important to listen and show empathy. Offer support and assistance while respecting their personal space and boundaries.
• Create a safe and comfortable environment: Reduce anything that may agitate the person, such as loud music or bright lights. If possible, gently guide them to a quiet and secure place where they can sit down and relax.
• Provide water and encourage rest: If the person is willing, offer them water and encourage them to rest.
• Remove yourself from the situation: If you feel unsafe or threatened, remove yourself and anyone else who may be in danger from the situation.
• Contact emergency services if needed: If the situation becomes uncontrollable or the person's behaviour poses a risk to anyone, do not hesitate to contact emergency services.

If you or someone you know struggles with anger when drinking, it is important to seek help. Psychotherapy is the primary approach for co-treatment of alcohol use and anger management, and medication may also be part of the treatment plan. Additionally, support services such as helplines are available to provide assistance and guidance.

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