An interesting fact is that alcohol amplifies our underlying emotions at the moment of consumption. If someone’s harboring anger or frustration before drinking, it’s likely those feelings will surge once they’re under the influence – hence becoming an ‘angry drunk’. Conversely, if someone starts drinking in a jovial mood or high spirits, they may remain cheerful throughout – making them what we call ‘happy drunks’. Alcohol tends to lower inhibitions and affect judgment, which can lead to aggressive behavior. Research suggests that certain factors might make a person more likely to become aggressive when they drink. These include underlying mental health issues, personal history of violence, and even genetics.
- They may not be aware of the newer and more convenient options that exist today.
- Various feelings can flow together and morph quickly into other things — like anger and irritability.
- She adds that not everyone who misuses alcohol develops these changes and that genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors can also play a role.
- On the other hand, a happy drunk typically radiates positivity; they are often seen laughing excessively, engaging in friendly conversation, or dancing without inhibition.
- Drinking may also be a method to self-medicate negative emotions, including anger.
- However, other studies have found that catastrophe-induced increases in alcohol consumption tend to wane after a year and other studies have found no increases in alcoholism following major disasters.
Alcohol Causes Aggression. Can It Reduce Aggression Too?
- Have family members or others mentioned concerns about your alcohol consumption?
- It also raises the risk for negative consequences of outbursts related to explosive and uncontrolled anger.
- Understanding your emotions and making smart decisions about alcohol consumption is the best way to avoid problems.
- A person is less likely to hold themselves back (in emotions or behaviour) under the influence.
Happy drunks display open body language; relaxed postures and wide smiles being common indicators. It’s common knowledge that alcohol can significantly influence our emotions. It’s also worth mentioning how our cultural norms factor into this equation. In societies where aggression is linked to masculinity, you’ll often find higher rates of alcohol-related violence. This isn’t because men are inherently more aggressive—it’s due to societal expectations and conditioning. While some people might get giddy or relaxed after a few drinks, others may find their anger thresholds significantly lowered.
Tips to change your relationship with alcohol
These issues can then lead to more anger and further difficulty controlling emotions and outbursts. 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.
How to prevent alcohol-fueled rage
Most of these treatments come from the framework of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a diverse psychotherapy that focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and creating new, helpful patterns of thinking and feeling. Anger expression may also be confused with aggression or hostility, two does alcohol cause anger consequences of drinking commonly cited in research.
Tame Your Rage and Drink Less With Reframe!
Those who are dependent on alcohol should participate in alcohol addiction treatment to break the cycle. Remember, quitting a substance cold turkey can lead to health issues, so it’s best to enlist professional help. Many people may naturally become angry or upset when drinking, but it’s not necessarily their fault.
Dealing with your anger when you’re sober will help you avoid going into a rage when you’re drinking. The link between alcohol and anger has to do with alcohol’s ability to remove your inhibitions and disrupt your emotional regulation. When you drink alcohol, parts of your brain that manage anger are suppressed, making it more likely for angry feelings to bubble to the surface.
Alcohol causes changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), leading to disinhibition. If you are concerned that you or someone you care about has a problem with alcohol there is a lot of help available. Here you can find useful links and phone numbers to get the support you need.
