Author: Alex Thompson

All About Alcoholic Rage Syndrome: The Angry Drunk Phenomenon and How To Get Past Alcoholic Rage

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol-related rage there are some steps you can take to prevent future incidents. Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder. When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective. Excessive drinking has numerous impacts on your body and mind, ranging from mild to severe.

No one expects you to recover from an alcohol use disorder alone—nor should you. Even the people who you alienated before you quit drinking may welcome the opportunity to spend time with you. “Trait anger” refers to a person’s general tendency to experience chronic anger over time.

Intermittent explosive disorder

Their crucial work saves lives every day.Let Mayo Clinic researchers know they’re appreciated with a quick message. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.

  1. Anger is a normal human emotion that we all feel at times and for different reasons.
  2. In high-stress situations, it’s essential to stay calm and take a step back to assess your emotions objectively.
  3. If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder.
  4. Alcohol use disorder can include periods of being drunk (alcohol intoxication) and symptoms of withdrawal.
  5. At Sabino Recovery, our residents have found relief through comprehensive assessments and evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to their unique needs.

The Experience Blog

Additionally, the influence of alcohol on the central nervous system can dampen inhibitory functions in the brain, impairing judgment and self-control. Often, when children, spouses and other loved ones spend time close to someone who becomes abusive when they drink, their lives change for the worse. The challenges faced in this arena have provided her with a strong base of practice in assessment, treatment, and case management. Recent studies have shown a connection between alcohol-induced rage syndrome and factors like neuroinflammation and the serotonin 2b receptor gene. Neuroinflammation plays a significant role in the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) by aggravating cognitive function decline and emotional disturbances.

Impact on your safety

Researchers have also found a link between variations in the serotonin 2b receptor gene and increased impulsivity, which can lead to aggressive behavior in individuals with AUD. Impairment in judgment and impulse control from heavy drinking can cause anger to escalate to rage and even violence. Literature from PubMed Central indicates that alcohol-related aggression often occurs among individuals who engage in chronic alcohol consumption and have become dependent. Intermittent explosive disorder involves repeated, sudden bouts of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts. Road rage, domestic abuse, throwing or breaking objects, or other temper tantrums may be symptoms of intermittent explosive disorder. Several novel treatments show promise in addressing the underlying causes of alcohol-induced rage syndrome.

But once GABA is metabolized, it mostly converts to glutamine, causing excitement (6). It is important to note that alcohol-related aggression and/or violence do not occur in the majority of all chronic alcohol consumers or all alcohol-dependent individuals. However, there is a higher incidence of violence among chronic drinkers.

Prevention and Education Strategies

These neurochemical changes are correlated to some behavioral symptoms, such as disinhibition, and also relate to some psychological factors. In some people, the initial reaction may feel like an increase in energy. But as you continue to drink, you become drowsy and have less control over your actions. Ask your partner out for regular date nights, get more involved with any kids in your life, find fun activities to do with friends that don’t involve drinking.

In addition, research discovered that the effects of alcohol on aggression are more pronounced in people who think more about the “here and now” than about the future. When we aren’t concerned about consequences we may be more likely to act out in the moment. Embracing technology, the field of addiction research has begun incorporating predictive analytics to enhance the understanding and treatment of alcohol-induced rage syndrome.

What Makes a “Crazy Drunk Person”?

Many people who have an alternate personality when they drink look back on it clarity when they sober up. Sometimes the shame of facing the things they did while intoxicated causes them to start drinking again, proliferating a vicious circle of substance use and abuse. Many people with “angry drunk” tendencies also end up on the wrong side of law.

Research suggests several factors may be involved, including personality, genetics, social considerations, brain chemistry, and brain changes. If you’ve ever noticed that you — or friends or family — have intense feelings or express extreme emotions or behavior while buzzed or drunk, you’re not imagining it. Although it may be easier said than done, dialing back your drinking can alleviate the problem. If you notice a connection between drinking heavily and your feelings of anger it is well worth trying this proactive approach. Moderating your drinking or abstaining altogether (especially when you are experiencing strong emotions) can help you view situations from a more clear and rational perspective.

Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being. You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.