Managing and Treating Anger During Drug Rehab Treatment

Working through the hard struggle of recovery from substance abuse can be frustrating. Oftentimes individuals in substance abuse rehab go through a stage of anger, especially in the early stages of recovery. Anger may be held deep within or come bursting forth in physical or verbal aggression.

As individuals begin to contemplate their future during rehab, they may feel anger at themselves for falling victim to drugs or may be angry at others who got them involved in drugs. They may rebel against rules during rehab or against their own family as they work through their anger.

Anger can trigger relapse, and treatment specialists offer multiple suggestions and programs to help treat anger during addiction recovery. With guidance in how to appropriately release angry emotions, manage harmful anger, and keep anger from risking relapse, individuals in drug rehab can heal both emotionally and physically.

Managing Anger

Anger is a normal emotion felt by those in drug rehab. All emotions during rehab should be able to be expressed, but in a safe and rational way. Anger that is held tightly within is just as dangerous as the anger that is expressed verbally and physically. Kept inside, the individual will have a difficult time moving on and healing.

Treatment specialists suggest that those in drug rehab find ways to communicate their angry feelings in non-aggressive and rational ways. Calming techniques for their mind and body may help soften their anger and help put their frustration into sensible arguments or thoughts. If certain people or places tend to trigger the angry emotions, specialists suggest that the person in rehab distance themselves from that environment.

Treating Anger

Treatment centers offer multiple ways for individuals to treat their anger during drug rehab. Both individual and group therapy offer people two ways of healing. Through individual therapy the individual can analyze how they personally can best manage their anger. In anger management groups the individual can learn from others and find camaraderie in others who are working through the same difficult task.

To help individuals relax, some treatment centers offer suggestions or programs for activities like meditation, yoga, or acupuncture to release anger slowly and calmly. Sometimes treatment specialists will suggest that individuals take psychiatric medications to help calm their anger. These medications, used in illnesses such as depression or anxiety, can help the individual think more rationally and regain their composure when expressing frustration.

Keeping Anger Away

Sometimes drugs and alcohol can mask the feelings of anger. A person who is still struggling with overcoming substance abuse will most likely have outbursts of anger. Once they complete rehab, they often are able to recognize better the changes in their body as anger grows. As they get their body back under control, they can better rationalize their emotions and control their anger.

Getting treatment for anger during drug rehab is crucial so that anger will not risk triggering a relapse or damaging the individual’s friendships or family relationships.