Angry Drunks: Unraveling the Psychology Behind Their Behavior

As research in this field continues to evolve, we can hope for new insights and more effective treatments for those struggling with alcohol-related aggression. In the meantime, by fostering a culture of awareness, compassion, and responsibility around drinking, we can work towards reducing the harm caused by angry drunk behavior. While internal factors play a significant role, the environment in which drinking occurs can be equally influential in determining whether someone becomes an angry drunk.

The Effects of Alcohol on the Brain and Emotions

Comorbid mood disorders can be triggered by alcohol as well. For friends and loved ones of mean drunks, understanding the psychology behind this behavior can foster empathy and inform more effective ways of offering support. However, it’s important to remember that understanding doesn’t mean excusing harmful behavior. Becoming angry when intoxicated can lead to domestic violence incidents. In a WHO assessment on domestic violence and alcohol, 55% of surveyed Americans stated they thought their partner was intoxicated during a physical assault.

Types of Mental Health Disorders & Treatment Options

They interact with an individual’s biological predispositions and psychological makeup to create a perfect storm for mean drunk behavior. This complex interplay underscores the need for a holistic approach to addressing alcohol-induced aggression. The most self-evident way to stop being an angry drinker is to quit drinking heroin addiction altogether. By ending alcohol misuse, you can make positive decisions with a clear outlook. Those who are dependent on alcohol should participate in alcohol addiction treatment to break the cycle.

• If no one can defuse the tension, they may become an aggressor, escalating the situation to a violent one.
• If you see someone cut in front of you in line for the bathroom at a bar or concert, you may react aggressively when you otherwise wouldn’t mind.
• Peer pressure and group dynamics can also contribute to alcohol-induced aggression.
• These situations likely spark emotions when you think about them — perhaps you feel embarrassed or ashamed.
• In the meantime, by fostering a culture of awareness, compassion, and responsibility around drinking, we can work towards reducing the harm caused by angry drunk behavior.

If someone believes that alcohol makes them more aggressive or gives them “liquid courage,” they may unconsciously fulfill this expectation, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. Yes, sometimes people mean what they say when they are drunk. But most of the time, people say whatever comes to mind when drinking without any concern if it’s genuinely how they feel. Alcohol lowers inhibition and makes people feel talkative, extroverted, and emboldened.

Alcohol Disrupts Executive Brain Functions

Anger is an intense emotion you feel when something has gone wrong or someone has wronged you. Aggression refers to a range of behaviors that can result in both physical and psychological harm to yourself, others, or objects in the environment. We’re here 24/7 to help you get the care you need to live life on your terms, without drugs or alcohol. Talk to our recovery specialists today and learn about our integrated treatment programs. We help addicts every day by customizing treatment plans around the needs of our patients.

The saying “you are the company you keep” takes on new meaning when it comes to alcohol consumption and aggressive behavior. Social and environmental factors can significantly influence whether someone becomes a mean drunk. Cultural expectations and norms surrounding alcohol consumption play a crucial role. In some cultures or social groups, aggressive behavior while drinking may be more tolerated or even encouraged, creating an environment where mean drunk behavior is normalized.

The Truth Behind Alcohol and Anger

I’ve spent a lot of time talking about ‘angry drunks’ in this article. It’s clear that they’re not just a challenge for individuals, but also for society as a whole. Addressing this issue isn’t just about reducing alcohol-related violence, it’s also about improving public health and safety. Anger is an intense emotion you feel when something has gone wrong or someone has severely wronged you.

• Those who don’t think about the consequences of their actions are more likely to adversely affect themselves and others.
• Hostile attribution bias is when you interpret ambiguous situations or actions of others as intentionally hostile or threatening.
• Airlines should make reasonable accommodations to support you if you have a medical requirement.

Suppressed Anger

If you think you have or are developing a problem, don’t hesitate to call us. We can help answer your questions and guide you to take the best step forward. A person’s reaction will largely depend on their general emotional state. However, when that anger becomes constant or uncontrollable, it can cause a number of issues.

Why Does Alcohol Make Me Angry?

Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol. Extreme happiness, or euphoria, is another common experience during drinking. As a positive, unalarming emotion and one that others are used to seeing, however, happiness isn’t on the radar as much as anger. If taking time out doesn’t help, find a way to put your anger to good use. Exercises, such as running or kickboxing, can be a good way to burn off any rage.

• When it comes to understanding anger and alcohol, there’s a fascinating psychological interplay at work.
• Now that we know what alcoholic rage syndrome is, can we do anything about it?
• This might involve finding new hobbies, engaging in physical activities, or exploring sober social events.
• Yes, some people might have underlying psychological issues like stress or anxiety that become more pronounced when they drink.

But effects to other neurotransmitters, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamine, may also be involved. Alcohol can impair the OFC, and disrupt communication between the OFC and the amygdala. Without the OFC doing its job of calming those intense emotions, a person can have a strong reaction (2). Alcohol’s ability to temporarily reduce anxiety can also intensify the urge to act on impulse. If you’re less worried about what others will think, or of any consequences, you could be more likely to have a strong reaction when something upsets you (2).