Anger During Recovery

Once you decide on a path of recovery, you
might be faced with a multitude of emotions including anger.  Anger is normal in recovery, as you face your
addiction and the consequences of your addiction on others.  While you were using or gambling, you may have used or gambled incessantly to lessen the feeling of anger. As you continue with your addiction, you become angry at yourself for the damage that
is being done.   

Anger does not always subside once you enter a
program of recovery.  This emotion may
have been present even before you started with your addiction. It will take time to resolve the feelings of
anger in recovery but remember, this is possibly the first time you are
actively addressing your feelings without engaging with your addiction.  It will take time but anger can be resolved.  It is unrealistic to think that one will
never experience anger, as it is an emotion that oftentimes can motivate
changes in behavior.  The important thing
to remember about anger is that it is telling you something needs emotional
repair.  Take it as an opportunity to
work on yourself during recovery.

There are risks associated with hanging on to
anger in recovery including stress-related problems, physical problems such as
insomnia and gastrointestinal distress, and feeling keyed up or on edge.  Anger can also significantly impair your
judgment and cause you to make negative choices in recovery.  While anger is likely during recovery, there
are some things you can do to recognize it and cope with it.

First, learn to recognize what anger feels
like in a physical and psychological sense. 
Are your fists clenched, is your heart racing?  Then you could be feeling angry about something.  Recognize that it is there and what it is
doing to you.  Next, address the
anger.  What are some of the things that
could be causing the anger?  Are you
having an issue with a friend or family member? 
You might want to write down when you feel angry and what the
circumstances are.  You may start to
notice a pattern.  You could begin to
recognize certain stressors that are causing the anger and be able to
proactively address them.

In the early stages of recovery, it might be a
good idea to stay away from people, places, and things in which you feel
angry.  Over time you can learn to
address the anger and appropriately recognize it and move forward.  If you are feeling angry, practice breathing
or other relaxation techniques to bring you focus.  It is never a good idea to make decisions or
confront an individual when feeling anger. 
Wait until you are calm and can clearly and objectively address the
situation or person that is causing the anger.