As human beings, we are prone to powerful emotions. Anger is one of the first emotions we learn to express as small children. We’d get upset with other children who didn’t share their toys. Or, we’d scream at the top of our lungs because we didn’t want to take a bath. As adults, we learn to control our emotions and communicate better with others. But, some people struggle with controlling their emotions. Their anger boils out of control and it can cause serious problems at work and at home. Anger can also further the destructive cycle of abuse and addiction. If you struggle with controlling your anger, contact A Forever Recovery today to learn how you can benefit from anger management group therapy.
Why We Feel Angry
Many of our emotions are linked to a particular physical response. Specifically, we experience anger and our bodies secrete chemicals that activate our heart rate, blood sugar level, blood pressure, blood flow to muscles, and sweat glands. Essentially, it gets the body and mind ready for action. Anger also sharpens the senses and increases the production of adrenaline. This triggers a survival instinct. Therefore, it may cause us to act before we’ve made a rational decision on the best way to behave. For many addicts, their alcoholism or drug abuse is a result of uncontrolled anger. However, by learning how to manage their anger, they can break free from their substance abuse as well.
Different Levels of Anger
Anger isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, feelings of anger or moral outrage inspire some people to campaign for good causes. They also want right unjust wrongs and enforce the rules that govern our society. But anger becomes a problem when it causes us to physically or emotionally hurt ourselves or others. Especially when it leads to aggression, which may be further prompted by the use of alcohol or drugs. Substance abuse can lower inhibitions and cause us to act in a way we normally might not. Of course, this effect only makes matters worse.
The most serious form of anger disorder is known as intermittent explosive disorder (IED). This condition is characterized by sudden, repeated outbursts of impulsive, aggressive anger and violence. Of course, these actions are disproportionate to the situation at hand and can progress to the point of rage. In other words, a person with this disorder may become enraged. Also, they may scream at or physically harm someone who cuts in from of them in line or speaks too loudly. Neither of which would normally be considered a serious offense.
Strategies for Controlling Emotion
- Taking a deep breath and counting to ten.
- Visualizing something positive that makes you feel calmer.
- Becoming better at communication to avoid arguments that make your anger worse.
- Learning problem-solving strategies.
- Coming up with creative solutions for expressing your emotions without hurting others.
Contact A Forever Recovery for Help with Anger Management or Addiction
Controlling emotions and constructively addressing the underlying causes of anger is the first step to a successful recovery.
- Group and Individual Counseling
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Moral Reconation Therapy
- Communication Skills
- Nutritional Guidance
- Life-Skills Training
- Music and Art Therapy
- Meditation and Relaxation Techniques
- Secular or Faith-Based programs
With this approach to treatment, patients can heal mentally, physically, and spiritually for lasting recovery.
All in all, anger management classes can be a pivotal part of the rehabilitation process. At A Forever Recovery, individuals struggling with anger management problems learn how to deal with their emotions before they bubble up out of control. If you or a loved one is facing a problem with anger management, call A Forever Recovery today to find out how group therapy can help.
- blinn.edu – Self-Help Resources
- blinn.edu – Anger (PDF)