Anger Management

What is the connection between anger and addiction?

Anger is a normal emotion that flares when you feel something is wrong or unjust. However, anger becomes a problem when you feel the need to express it in a way that harms you or others.

Anger and addiction often occur together. In some people, anger precedes addiction and, for others, the addiction triggers the anger. For example, your rage may be so intense you seek drugs to numb your pain. Or, you use substances that cause aggression, like cocaine. 

Substance abuse may also trigger feelings of anger or resentment, especially when they cause other problems such as job loss or relationship problems.

What is anger management?

Anger management is a form of therapy that helps you understand your emotions and develop healthier techniques for expressing your anger. Anger management isn’t about suppressing how you feel but finding healthier ways to express it. 

Because of the close connection between addiction and anger, Victory Recovery Partners provides anger management as one of the behavioral health therapies to support your recovery.

Recovery may also trigger anger. After years of numbing your emotions, you may find yourself feeling a rollercoaster of emotions. Anger management helps you understand these emotions, potentially preventing a relapse.

Who needs anger management?

Victory Recovery Partners takes a whole-person approach to care, customizing your addiction treatment plan to best meet your needs, which may include anger management. 

When you start treatment, you are matched with a personal recovery partner who works one-on-one with you, deciding what tools and therapies you need to support your recovery.

Part of your plan may include individual counseling. During these sessions, your counselor explores your dependency, including the underlying causes and the effects your addiction has on your physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. 

Your recovery partner and counselor, along with the other health professionals at Victory Recovery Partners supporting your recovery, will help you determine if you need anger management. 

How does anger management work?

Anger management at Victory Recovery Partners is individualized to meet your needs. In addition to helping you recognize your anger and how it affects your behavior, anger management therapy includes tools to help you channel your anger, such as::

• Coping strategies 
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Breathing exercises or meditation
• An exercise program
• Group counseling
  
  

Anger management is one of the relapse prevention tools available at Victory Recovery Partners. For comprehensive addiction care, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.