Anger Management When You Are Free from Substance Abuse

Anger is an emotion, which leads many people to relapse. This is particularly true in early recovery. 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. Often a sense of victimization accompanies the anger. 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?

Does any of this sound familiar to you?

* 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

Some alternatives to help manager your anger might be:

* Talk to the person who you are angry with.

* Talk to a therapist, a 12-Step sponsor, or another person who can give you guidance.

* Talk about your anger in an outside support group meeting.

* Write about your feelings of anger.

* Take a "time-out" to help change your frame of mind.

* Exercise

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.