Anger is one of the most difficult emotions for people to manage in their lives. It can be a response to many different triggers and often starts out as a feeling rather than an emotion. Those who are not emotionally healthy will sometimes use anger as a way to avoid other emotions or feel better about themselves. It’s important for those who are trying to live without drugs or alcohol in recovery that they learn how to cope with their anger in healthy ways so they don’t end up using alcohol or drugs again because of it.
Way to Manage Anger in Recovery
Accept the Fact That Feelings Are Not Facts
Many people who are angry will start to act out on those feelings, and then their anger can escalate. This can be a dangerous situation and actually lead to violence on the part of the angry person. Instead of acting out on those feelings, it is important that they understand that their feelings do not make facts. If they keep telling themselves that this will help them manage their anger in recovery a lot better.
Take a Deep Breath
This is a common thing to do, and when it comes to anger in recovery, working on breathing techniques can be very helpful. There are many different breathing exercises that have proven themselves time and time again. They are just as easy to do in your own home as they are in a class, but it’s a good idea that the anger in recovery person use methods that they are comfortable with instead of what some group members try out during group. This can only make things more difficult for them.
Practicing Self-Control
When someone becomes angry, they often feel the need to express their anger quickly. It is a way for them to release that emotion, and it can be very beneficial up until a certain point. When they continue to use anger as a way of dealing with anger in recovery, they are actually becoming angrier than they were before. Not only do they lose control over what happens during the anger but also how long this feeling lasts after it has been expressed. Instead of working on controlling their anger in recovery, they have worked on controlling themselves.
Ask Yourself “Why.”
Sometimes, people who get angry don’t know why they are upset. Sometimes, they have no idea what is driving them to create anger within them. While it is not unusual for people to be angry, many times, they do not know why they are angry. It is important that the person in recovery from drugs or alcohol begins to put this feeling into words and come up with an answer for themselves instead of ignoring it or acting out on their anger.
Take Time to Relax
When someone feels angry, it’s hard for them to relax. In turn, they have a hard time thinking clearly, and they end up in situations that they might not have ended up in if they took the time to really clear their head. It is important that people who are attempting to manage their anger in recovery take the time to relax. They should sit down for a short period of time and let their mind put itself at ease instead of rushing through it.
Spend More Time in Nature
It is widely known that spending time in nature can help someone relax. When a person feels angry, many times, they will find themselves remembering negative moments or events that were caused by their use of alcohol or drugs. By spending some time off the beaten path, it is easier for people who are angry to let go of their anger and actually relax for a while.
Source Your Anger
When someone is angry, it’s usually because of something that has happened recently or in the past. Trying to identify the source of their anger can help them learn how to deal with it. For example, if someone is angry because their boss was late for work, it’s important for them to understand that they can’t let that make them angry in recovery. Instead of allowing themselves to stew over the fact that their boss was late, they need to focus on something else and realize how this is not going to benefit them or their recovery in any way. In conclusion, managing anger in recovery is not an easy thing to do. It requires a lot of patience, understanding, and a great deal of practice. In the end, though, it is something that people in recovery can accomplish if they work at it. If you need to talk to someone,our counselors are available 24 hours a day. Call 844-639-8371.