Anger Management When You Are Free from Substance Abuse

CEBU, Philippines - Anger is an emotion, which leads many people to relapse. This is particularly true in early recovery and for people who are already in recovery for quite some time, but forget to work their program because they think they are cured. Anger is the number one cause for relapse in recovering addicts and people who are recovering from other obsessive – compulsive disorders. That is why anger management when you are free from substance abuse is so important. Anger is frequently experienced as a slow, building process during which you constantly think about the anger-producing issues.

Sometimes it seems that the issue causing the anger is the only important thing in life and obsesses on the issue so that blame is focused on another person, thing or event. Often a sense of victimization accompanies the anger. This brings about what we like to call in recovery the “poor me syndrome” (Poor Me, Poor Me…Pour me a hit!). You may feel things like: Why do I get all the bad breaks?; How come she doesn’t understand my needs?; Why won’t he just do what I want him to?; Why are they always so mean to me?; Etc.

To better see and understand the anger building up in you, ask yourself a few questions.

• How do you recognize when you get angry?

• How do you express anger?

• Do you hold it in and eventually explode?

• Do you become sarcastic and passive aggressive?

• Can you think of any positive ways to deal with anger?

Anger Management Tips

Once you know and see the anger rising within you then it’s time for you to do a few things that may help you deal with the anger before it becomes excessive and may cause you to relapse. Some alternatives to help manager your anger might be:

• Talk to the person who you are angry with. Tell him or her how their behavior has affected you.

• Talk to a therapist, a 12-Step sponsor, or another person who can give you guidance. The help of a professional or someone who has gone the same road is invaluable help.

• Talk about your anger in an outside support group meeting. Remember the therapeutic value of one recovering addict sharing with another recovering addict is of great value.

• Write about your feelings of anger. A lot of time writing out the anger will help the intensity of the anger diminish.

• Take a “time-out” to help change your frame of mind. Read a book; watch a movie; listen to music; or say the serenity prayer.

• Exercise. Take a hike; play your favorite sport; go to the gym; or jog.

Most recovering people report having some problems with anger from time to time during recovery from substance abuse. For some people this anger, left untreated, can result in relapse. Therefore, it is important to be aware of signs of anger and be prepared to cope with the feeling.

For more information please feel free to contact us anytime at 032-2389143 or 0320-2315229. (FREEMAN)