Link Between Alcohol and Aggression

Someone whose consumption of alcohol and aggressive behavior coincide may not be aware of how their drinking is affecting the people around them. The specific aggressive behaviors can vary depending on the individual, their personality traits, the circumstances, and their level of intoxication. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the link between alcohol and aggression, give some examples of aggressive behaviors that can occur when someone is drinking and out of control, and where to go for help with alcoholism.

The connection between alcohol and aggression is widely documented. Alcohol can enhance the chance of aggressive and violent behavior in a variety of ways. Alcohol has a negative impact on the brain by weakening cognitive functioning and decreasing inhibitions. Also, drinking has the potential to reduce self-control and enhance impulsive actions. If you know someone with a history of alcoholism and anger, a medically-managed detox is a recommended first step to long-term recovery. Restored Path Detox is a resource in North Texas for anyone with a history of anger issues related to alcoholism.

Types of Aggression

When someone is intoxicated and out of control, their aggression can take many forms. Often the target of the aggressive behavior is someone else. The drinker themselves might also put themselves at risk of injury or worse through reckless behavior.

Verbal Aggression: This includes screaming, insulting, using abusive words, or engaging in heated debates. Threats, intimidation, or verbal attempts to degrade or dominate people are examples of verbal aggressiveness.

Physical Aggression: Physical aggressiveness is defined as direct physical contact with the intent of inflicting harm to others. Pushing, shoving, and slapping are mild types, whereas punching, kicking, or using weapons are more serious. Fights, injuries, and other violent acts can result from physical aggression.

Intimate Partner Violence: Alcohol can enhance the likelihood of intimate partner violence, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in a relationship. Intoxication can impair judgment, create jealousy or possessiveness, and escalate partner problems.

Property Damage: Intoxicated people who are out of control may engage in harmful acts that cause property damage. This can involve destroying other people’s property, vandalizing buildings, or committing arson.

Reckless Behavior: Intoxicated people may engage in risky acts that jeopardize the safety of others and their own safety. This might include driving while intoxicated, participating in high-risk activities without contemplating the repercussions, or ignoring hazards in the environment around them.

Consequences of Alcohol and Aggressive Behavior

The combination of drinking alcohol and exhibiting aggressive behavior can lead to numerous consequences for an individual. Alcohol-induced aggressive behavior is not an excuse for harmful actions, and individuals are still responsible for their behavior, even under the influence. Outcomes of losing control while drinking can include arrest, fines, loss of driver’s license, job loss, and more.

Anger and Alcohol Withdrawal

Is anger a symptom of alcohol withdrawal? Although not everyone experiencing withdrawal experiences aggression, it is a potential sign of alcohol withdrawal. While tremors, anxiety, sweating, nausea, and sleeplessness are the most typical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, some people may also feel agitation, irritability, and, in some circumstances, aggressiveness. During alcohol withdrawal, violent behaviors can vary from verbal aggressiveness, such as being argumentative or confrontational, to physical violence, such as hostility against others or self-harm. It is crucial to note that not everyone will experience violence during alcohol withdrawal. Individual variations, pre-existing mental health disorders, or other drugs taken in tandem with alcohol can all increase the probability and severity of violent withdrawal behaviors.

Aggression can be worsened during withdrawal when an individual is unable to manage other physical and mental health symptoms. Mental health symptoms can appear as feelings of restlessness, nervousness, excessive worry, hopelessness or sadness, and a general lack of interest in things. Problems with concentration and attention may emerge during the withdrawal process, too. If overwhelmed by these kinds of symptoms, the person in withdrawal may act out with aggressive behavior.

Help with Alcoholism and Anger at Restored Path

If you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol withdrawal, it is critical that you get medical attention. Withdrawal from alcohol can be harmful and, in severe circumstances, can result in a medical emergency known as delirium tremens (DTs). To handle withdrawal symptoms, including any acts of violence that may occur, a medically managed detox can provide appropriate monitoring, support, and even medication.

Restored Path provides alcohol detox in Dallas for people who are experiencing alcohol withdrawal and mental health symptoms. Our healthcare professionals provide appropriate evaluation, support, and medication or therapeutic interventions to manage these symptoms and ensure a safer and more comfortable withdrawal process. Also, Restored Path Detox partners with multiple insurance companies, including Ambetter, Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, and Magellan, to make detox services more accessible and affordable.

Restored Path Detox is DFW’s premier location for sophisticated medical detox. Conveniently located in Frisco, we provide a safe sanctuary for healing that is also a state-of-the-art detoxification facility for a wide range of substances. Our compassionate physicians and therapists want you to get well and are committed to removing any existing barriers to your care. Restored Path’s board-certified medical professionals and highly qualified RNs have extensive critical care experience and are available to monitor your detox program 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol use, contact us today and take your first step towards recovery: 469-827-0000.