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Alcohol-Related Aggression Social and Neurobiological Factors PMC

Humans are sensitive to cues indicating that their goals are impeded by others and this activates powerful emotional experiences that motivate behavior to compensate. Some examples include prosocial behavior to reestablish social connection (Maner et al., 2007) or aggression to provoke acknowledgment (Wesselmann et al., 2015). It was initially reported that women are less likely to engage in binge drinking patterns than men (Bobrova et al., 2010).

The most effective way to cope with alcohol-induced anger is to avoid consuming too much alcohol. Another study found that people who focus on the present moment tend to be angrier alcoholics.1 They don’t consider the consequences of their actions, so they’ll act on their anger without regard to what will happen in the future. Instead of being a natural emotion, someone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) will express anger to avoid dealing with unpleasant or adverse circumstances, including the addiction. The inability to control or suppress your emotions can lead to inappropriate or dangerous situations. Heightened responses due to alcohol consumption can make anger intensified.

Other Risks & Dangers of Alcohol-Related Anger

In addition to potential mental health disorders related to difficulties managing anger, there are several physical side effects of unchecked and chronic anger. This activates the stress response, which speeds up heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, and increases body temperature. Stress also affects focus and attention abilities, and heightens energy while decreasing appetite and sleep functions.

  • However, alcohol-related aggression does not occur in the majority of all chronic alcohol consumers or all alcohol-dependent individuals.
  • Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center.
  • When someone battles AUD, they are also less likely to consistently take care of regular obligations, which can impact interpersonal relationships and their home environment.
  • An inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program may be recommended to work toward sobriety and recovery.
  • If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use and could benefit from alcohol addiction treatment, contact us today.
  • He is triple board-certified in family medicine, lifestyle medicine and geriatrics, providing care to an array of patients ages 18 and older.

A national study of 16,698 inmates found that alcohol had a stronger role in violent offending such as homicide, physical assaults, and sexual assaults compared to offenses such as burglary and robbery. In this study, the majority of the respondents claimed to have been under the influence/intoxication of substance(s) such as alcohol during the commission of murder (Felson and Staff, 2010). Knowledge of the origin and treatment alcohol depression and anger of alcohol-related aggression remains insufficient, despite the frequency of such aggression. Further studies are needed in order to clarify why some people become aggressive when under the influence of alcohol and others do not. For example, there is evidence that high levels of impulsiveness (24, 25) and low stress tolerance (26, 27) can reinforce the inclination to behave aggressively when under the influence of alcohol.

Negative Effects of Alcohol Consumption

Similarly, Jacob and Leonard (1988) collected data on drinking and nondrinking sessions from a sample of 49 married couples with heavy drinking husbands. Laboratory research suggests that when people feel excluded or strong negative affect, they are more likely to use alcohol to cope (Rabinovitz, 2014). However, little is known about how alcohol may act as a moderator of how people experience and react to ostracism. Alcohol Myopia Theory (Steele & Josephs, 1990) posits that alcohol intoxication constricts an inebriate’s general cognitive faculties and imposes an attentional bias such that only the most salient cues are processed (i.e., attentional myopia).

  • For example, if a person goes into a drinking experience with the expectation of alcohol helping them pick a fight with a partner later, that’s then likely to happen.
  • For many, alcohol is consumed in social settings as a way to relax or even celebrate.
  • Moreover, alcohol can increase the risk of bipolar disorder, dementia, mood disorders, and schizophrenia.

It was found that thought suppression mediated the association between the toughness masculine norm and alcohol-related aggression. These medicines can help reduce the negative side effects of detoxification and withdrawal. Additionally, there is evidence that chemical and biological factors play a role. People with higher levels of testosterone are more likely to be aggressive. Ultimately, nobody knows what comes first⁠—anger or alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Low Regard for Consequences

His geriatric areas of expertise include managing mild cognitive impairment, dementia, polypharmacy, advanced care planning and other geriatric syndromes. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. Healthier drinking habits just a friendly text away
Unlike most mood-altering, potentially addictive drugs, alcohol is not just legal, but widely used and accepted today. Two-thirds of all adults drink alcohol, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. If one of our articles is marked with a ‘reviewed for accuracy and expertise’ badge, it indicates that one or more members of our team of doctors and clinicians have reviewed the article further to ensure accuracy.

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