The Dangerous Connection Between Alcohol and Anger

photo of an angry man sitting on the floor and reaching for the bottle while being addicted to alcohol

Consistently abusing alcohol for many years can have serious and lasting effects on your body. Long-term overconsumption of beer, wine and liquor is often associated with cirrhosis, pancreatitis, cognitive impairment, thiamine deficiencies and memory disorders.

Plus, it also puts your emotional health at risk too. While alcohol affects everyone differently, for many, it increases their risk of experiencing emotional outbursts, violent behavior and excessive anger. And, if you don’t arm yourself with healthy coping mechanisms, allowing feelings of frustration and aggravation to go unchecked can increase your risk of relapse for those working on a path to addiction recovery.

Given that alcohol and anger are so interlaced, learning how to control your anger and respond to challenging situations in a healthy way is critical for those on a path to sobriety.

If you are building a new sober lifestyle, the following includes a few strategies to help keep your emotions in check.

(1) When you get tense, think about what you are about to say. In a disagreement with your spouse? See a post on social media that makes you upset? Chances are, if you are getting upset, you likely know it. The next time you feel your blood pressure rise, take this into consideration. Think before you speak, or better yet, tell the other person that it’s not a productive time to talk and make plans to discuss the issue after you’ve had time to cool down.

(2) Get a fresh perspective. If you are upset about a situation or how someone treated you, it’s easy to get into a tailspin of anger and frustration. Sometimes the best way to keep your anger in check is to simply talk to a friend who can provide an objective opinion. They may be able so share a different viewpoint that you may not have considered.

(3) Take a break. Being angry in certain situations is a normal reaction – it’s when you let your feelings escalate uncontrolled that you get yourself into trouble. The next time you do start to feel irritated, take the high road and don’t get caught up in the situation. Take a walk outside, meditate or go to a local yoga class to clear your head.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment at 10 Acre Ranch

One of Southern California’s most reputable rehab facilities, 10 Acre Ranch is an affordable alcohol addiction treatment center serving men 18 and over. We provide a comprehensive range of addiction recovery services based on a social treatment model. Our welcoming program gives residents an opportunity to participate in daily process groups, make positive behavioral changes, and prepare for life after recovery.

To learn more about our CA men’s rehab program and how we can help, call 10 Acre Ranch at (877) 228-4679 today.

Addiction Recovery: Meditation for Beginners

 

“Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak.”

– Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati

The practice of meditation may seem intimidating at first but it is actually one of the most powerful and informal therapies for addiction recovery. There are no rules for participating. All it takes is a willingness to embrace the stillness of a quiet, peaceful mind.

Given the vast number of medical and behavioral health benefits, many holistic addiction treatment centers have started to incorporate meditation therapy as part of an overall recovery program.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to find diversions to escape from the stress of everyday life. While some methods of avoiding painful emotions can offer short-term relief, they only delay the inevitable confrontation with reality.

In contrast, meditation helps to empower individuals with a personal tool to acknowledge feelings, thoughts and emotions in an effort to break through and resolve barriers to emotional growth.

Why Meditation is Great for Beginners

  • Meditation doesn’t discriminate. Regardless of your age or your physical ability, you can start to incorporate meditation into your daily routine.
  • There are zero investment costs up front. Unlike other forms of stress relief, like exercising at the gym or acupuncture, there are no membership fees or expensive pieces of equipment to purchase. By simply taking the time nurture yourself in solitude, you can reap the benefits without straining your budget.
  • You don’t have to worry about comparing yourself to others. Sometimes it can be intimidating to start a new hobby or exercise program if you’re constantly comparing yourself to others. Meditation is unique in that you can choose to practice by yourself to ensure your energy is focused solely on your recovery.

Getting Started

Meditation may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually a very intuitive tool for supporting your mental and physical health during recovery.

Want to get started today? Find a quiet space in your home, get comfortable and just breathe.

Get the Help You Need

If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction or drug abuse, 10 Acre Ranch can help you detox. We offer personalized treatment, as well as extensive aftercare support to help you maintain your hard-won sobriety. By emphasizing exercise, nutritional balance, and recreational activities, we encourage clients to develop a healing lifestyle that sticks—during and after recovery.

Call (877) 228-4679 for program details or to discuss your customized recovery program with an addiction counselor.