These medicines can help reduce the negative side effects of detoxification and withdrawal. Outpatient programs are often part of aftercare programs once you complete an inpatient or PHP program. It is important for people undergoing treatment to have a stable and supportive home environment without access to drugs and alcohol.

Is Alcohol the Sole Cause of Rage in Alcoholics?

Often, a rageaholic will display unprovoked bouts of rage or a level of anger excessive for the given situation. Sobriety is a long, ongoing process, but help, support, and treatment can make it easier. Remember that alcohol (and that addiction) was the fiber and a substantial, if not total embodiment, of their being. BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. Alcohol severely decreases cognitive function, which makes it harder to problem-solve, make safe decisions, and control aggression.

points to keep in mind when dealing with a “dry drunk.”

1. Often these episodes will only escalate as the problems in the alcoholic’s life will only grow worse as they try harder and harder to avoid the root cause.
2. The physical dependence on the alcohol and the scramble to remain numb often leads alcoholics to blame, manipulate, or bully family members and loved ones until their, now physical need is satisfied.
3. If you follow true crime, you’ve heard about the notorious Murdaugh trials in South Carolina, with the latest being the trial of Alec Murdaugh convicted for killing his son and wife.
4. Impairment in judgment and impulse control from heavy drinking can cause anger to escalate to rage and even violence.

This condition, also referred to as “alcohol-induced rage,” is a deeply concerning issue that can have severe repercussions on both the affected individual and their relationships. The tendency to avoid looking ahead and assessing consequences for one’s actions is a risk factor for aggressive behavior while drinking. That may sound obvious, and it’s a theory backed by a small, interesting 2012 study from Ohio State University (9). Alcohol factors into nearly a third of all murders in the United States. Plus, alcohol-related rage and aggression are tied to intimate partner violence, verbal and physical abuse, sexual assault, violent crimes, verbal and physical altercations, and more (1).

Symptoms of Alcoholic Rage Syndrome

When we drink the alcohol in our bloodstream reaches our brain within about five minutes. As our blood alcohol concentration (BAC) elevates personality changes can become more extreme. If you’re ready to get help but don’t know where to begin, check out Psych Central’s guide to solution focused therapy worksheets finding professional mental health support. To learn more about rageaholic behaviors, find a support group, or connect with local resources, visit Rageaholics Anonymous.

It is important to note that not everyone who drinks alcohol will experience Alcoholic Rage Syndrome, as individual factors such as genetics and mental health can also play a role. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to address underlying mental health conditions that contribute to the rage episodes. While alcohol is a known factor in triggering rage episodes, it is important to note that it may not be the sole cause. Various underlying psychological, emotional, and neurological factors can contribute to the development of this syndrome. Research has shown that individuals with a history of trauma, personality disorders, or unresolved anger issues are more susceptible to experiencing alcoholic rage. Recent studies have shown a connection between alcohol-induced rage syndrome and factors like neuroinflammation and the serotonin 2b receptor gene.

Online programs such as Ria Health provide confidential support from the comfort of your home. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous can also be effective as they allow you to express your feelings and provide tools to work through your anger. Dry drunk syndrome is when you turn to destructive coping habits instead of developing healthy habits. For recovery to be successful, you have to deal with any mental health issues or trauma that contributed to your substance abuse problems.

Alcohol impairs cognitive function, which means it is more difficult to problem-solve, control anger, and make good decisions when drinking. Decreased cognitive function also means it’s more likely for you to misread a situation and overreact. For example, if you’re intoxicated, you might perceive someone bumping into you by accident as a provocation and respond aggressively. Alcohol can provoke different emotional responses for different people. If you have a natural tendency to be angry, drinking alcohol may cause you to become aggressive.