Anger is a normal, healthy emotion that ranges from mild irritation to intense rage. Anger is generally viewed as a negative emotion, but it does have positive benefits. For example, anger can motivate us to solve problems and stand up to injustices. However, anger is harmful when it results in impulsive, aggressive, or destructive behaviors. When anger is suppressed, it can lead to unhealthy outbursts. Some individuals have difficulty with healthy expression of anger. Intense, inappropriate anger is a common symptom of substance use disorders, so anger management therapy is crucial for recovery.
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we understand that anger becomes problematic when not expressed in healthy ways, with far-reaching repercussions. We provide anger management therapy to help our guests identify and effectively manage and express anger. Contact us at 833.551.2304 to see how you or your loved one can benefit from anger management therapy.
Tips for Learning to Manage Your Anger
Anger is a valuable emotion when used appropriately. However, inappropriate or suppressed anger is harmful to yourself and those around you. Anger management therapy teaches you to recognize the feelings behind your anger and express it in healthy ways. Learning to do so helps you strengthen your relationships, manage conflict, and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Feeling angry at times is inevitable. Many everyday experiences, including family disagreements, finances, and work-related stress, can prompt anger. Individuals with substance use disorders or mental health disorders typically have difficulty managing anger in healthy ways. Learning to master anger management techniques takes work but gets easier with practice.
Following are some of the tips you will learn in anger management therapy:
- Explore what is behind your anger – Anger is often a mask for feelings such as anxiety, embarrassment, guilt, hurt, or shame. Learning to recognize the actual source of your anger will help you better communicate and work toward resolutions.
- Recognize anger warning signs – Sometimes, it can seem like your anger comes out of nowhere, but there are signs to pay attention to, like feeling a knot in your stomach, racing heartbeat, clenching your fists or jaw, pacing, or “seeing red.”
- Identify your triggers – Paying attention to particular times of day, situations, people, or places that incite feelings of anger can help you plan and prepare for them.
- Learn to identify solutions – Instead of focusing on the thing that made you angry, focus on identifying a solution to the problem.
Being too rigid, blaming others, overgeneralizing, and jumping to conclusions frequently lead to anger. Many people are quick to blame external factors for their anger. However, the root causes of uncontrolled or inappropriate anger often lie in poor communication and negative thinking, unresolved emotions, or misunderstandings.
Techniques Learned and Reinforced in Anger Management Therapy
In anger management therapy, you will learn to identify triggers, recognize angry feelings and where they come from, and utilize coping skills to manage anger in healthy ways. The following anger management techniques will help you in treatment and beyond:
- Take a timeout – Short breaks during times of day that tend to be stressful can help you keep feelings of irritation and anger in check.
- Use “I” statements – Avoiding criticism or blaming others helps reduce tensions.
- Practice relaxation skills – Deep-breathing exercises, mantras, yoga, journaling, or listening to music can help you calm yourself.
- Exercise – Physical activity increases endorphins that help reduce the stress that can lead to anger.
- Think before you speak – Pausing before speaking can help everyone calm down and prevent you from saying something you might regret.
- Let go of grudges – Learning to recognize the power of forgiveness allows you to let go of negative thoughts and feelings toward others.
Ultimately, comprehensive and holistic treatment of your substance use disorder and the underlying mental health disorders or trauma that fueled your substance abuse allows you to be free from unhealthy anger.
Gulf Breeze Recovery: Controlling Your Anger Through Anger Management Therapy
Uncontrolled anger is often the symptom of a deeper issue that can create havoc in your life. Gulf Breeze Recovery is here for you when you are ready to reclaim control of your life. Call 833.551.2304 today to take the first step toward a healthier and more rewarding future.
