15 Signs You Have a Problem with Anger

Once we get sober and are off the drugs and alcohol, some of us tend to have issues with controlling our anger. It seems that even the smallest things tend to make us lose it; but how do you know if you have a problem with anger? I’ve thought of 15 signs you have a problem with anger.

15 Signs You Have a Problem with Anger…

1. You’ve been known to overreact to things that most people don’t make such a big deal out of (there’s coasters for a reason!)

2. If you and one of your friends get into an argument, you lose your mind and declare the friendship over (even though it’s not.)

3. When someone yells in your general direction even the slightest, you are yelling back without any real idea why (you just start yelling.)

4. You tend to act without thinking things through when you’re angry (like telling people you never want to see them again.)

5. Driving raises your anger to a whole new level (even if you’re just riding with someone else.)

6. People know you as the person who is just mean, ALL. THE. TIME. (you’re not mean though, you just get angry very easily.)

7. People avoid conflict with you at all costs (to the point where they’re apologizing for no real reason.)

8. You’ve ended up using physical violence as a result of your anger (and you at least think about it every time you get mad.)

9. You’ve had to actually stop being around certain people because of how frustrated you get (like you avoid them entirely.)

10. When you are angry but calm, people get much more worried (and scared.)

11. You’ve literally seen red when angry (like blackout and don’t remember what actually happened.)

12. People have told you that they are scared of you (you can be unpredictable when angry.)

13. When you’re angry, it doesn’t matter who it is – you will get angry with everyone (seriously, EVERYONE.)

14. You’ve been known to break or destroy things when angry enough (like that hole in your bedroom door…)

15. You almost always regret how you reacted when angry after you’ve calmed down (and feel guilty about it.)

If some of these apply to you, you might want to seek therapy or speak to someone about your anger problems. Being angry can be exhausting and is really no fun. I personally, used to be such an angry person and now that I’m sober, I don’t want to be like that anymore. Work on your anger by trying breathing exercises, taking a time out, thinking before you react or speak, practice relaxation skills, pray, meditate and know when to seek help. When we first get sober, anger can be a normal thing but it is still something we all have to work on eventually. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll free 1-800-951-6135.