Many of us know someone who becomes increasingly mean-spirited the more they drink. Often, the shift in behavior comes as a surprise, given how different they are when sober. And if you’re that person, you may wonder, “Why do I get angry when I drink?”
But alcohol can elicit different responses in different people. And ethanol’s effect on you can be the result of a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
A social lubricant or fuel for rage? Let’s discuss how chronic alcohol abuse impacts the brain and behavior, its connection to the angry drunk stereotype, and the steps you can take to recover from alcohol misuse or addiction.
Table of Contents
How Alcohol Rewires Your Brain Chemistry
To understand how drinking alcohol is related to aggression, we first need to look at how the substance alters the brain.
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it affects the central nervous system like benzodiazepines, cannabis, heroin, and opioids. When you consume large amounts of alcoholic drinks, it can interfere with your body’s neurotransmitters.
Chronic drinking habits can have significant consequences for the body and brain, even rewiring your thinking patterns and behaviors in the long run.
Lowers Inhibition
One of the first parts of the brain that alcohol affects is the prefrontal cortex. This section of the brain controls the individual’s inhibition, self-awareness, and other important social functions.
The intoxicated individual can feel more intense joy, excitement, loneliness, or anger. With lessened inhibition, they might act on these heightened emotional responses without regard for the consequences.
Studies also found that some personality traits, particularly those who scored low on the Consideration of Future Consequences (CFC) scale, exhibit more aggression when exposed to ethanol.
Reduces Impulse Control
As you grow, you develop a sense of restraint when facing unexpected situations. You get better at exercising control over your behaviors, thinking logically, and avoiding making hasty decisions.
However, a drunk person may find it harder to restrain their emotions and urges. Similar to other types of substance use, alcohol reinforces impulsivity, making someone more likely to participate in dangerous situations.
To some, reduced impulse control can make them more outgoing and social. For other people, intoxication leads to a great risk of lashing out and exhibiting violent behaviors in a stressful situation.
Alcohol Impairs Cognitive Function
Have you noticed you’re somehow “slower” when binge drinking? You’re not imagining things. One of the effects of alcohol is that it impairs your cognitive functions.
Your judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities often take the brunt. This may lead to exaggerated reactions to circumstances you can normally handle rationally.
A lowered cognitive function can make you prone to misreading situations. For instance, you may misinterpret something as simple as an accidental bump as a provocation and respond violently.
Diminishes Apathy
Besides impaired cognition, some people may struggle to empathize with others after drinking. They might find suppressing feelings of anger close to impossible, as they become less patient and tolerant toward others.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found a strong relationship between severe alcohol consumption and significantly low empathy in people suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD).
That means the intoxicated individual, especially those who suffer from AUD, may show little or no regard for their friends or family’s well-being, making them more prone to excessive, even dangerous outbursts.
Does Alcohol Make You Angrier?
Alcohol has long been correlated with violence and aggression. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drinking alcohol is perceived to be more closely related to aggressive behaviors than any other drugs or substances.
Research and violent crime statistics appear to back this.
Statistical analysis showed that over 85% of homicides, 60% of sexual assaults, and 57% of men-related domestic violence cases were committed by offenders who were drinking at the time of the crime.
The World Health Organization estimate that over 300,000 of the country’s annual violent assaults involve attackers who are under the influence of alcohol. Over 32% of murders are also alcohol-related.
However, while the connection is real, it doesn’t necessarily mean that alcohol is the primary reason for aggressive or violent actions.
Individuals who wish to engage in violence may drink to muster the courage. Some may use alcohol to excuse unreasonable behaviors they plan on doing while sober.
Risk Factors of Alcohol-Related Aggression
Many people can enjoy a night out relatively safely, while others are more predisposed to angry outbursts. These aggressive episodes after drinking alcohol may stem from a combination of factors, including the following:
- Gender: Men have been found to have a higher risk of alcohol-related aggression. These are men who constantly suppress unwanted thoughts and emotions.
- Drinking Habits: Binge drinkers are found to have more episodes of emotional outbursts than those who drink moderately.
- Personality: Those with thrill-seeking tendencies are more likely to engage in violence while drinking for excitement.
- Stress: To some, drinking can be a form of release from the stress of home or work. This could make them susceptible to intense emotional blowups.
- Social Influence: Friends or family members who frequently exhibit aggressive behavior when drinking can encourage similar behavior in others.
- An Underlying Anger Issue: If you’re diagnosed with anger management issues, you may find alcohol aggravating your symptoms.
Belligerent tendencies paired with excessive drinking can also be a symptom of a mental health disorder. People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) typically experience heightened anger and irritability, exacerbated by frequent alcohol use.
Other Major Risks of Chronic Alcohol Misuse
Problematic aggression is just one of the risks of chronic alcohol misuse. Drinking large amounts for many years will eventually take its toll on your body and mental health.
Medical Dangers
Important organs may suffer serious damage from excessive drinking. This includes your brain, heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and more.
High cholesterol and blood pressure are relatively common among heavy drinkers. This makes them vulnerable to heart attack, stroke, and liver disease. Alcoholism also contributes to infertility and impotence in men.
For adolescents, alcohol abuse can hinder brain development, potentially resulting in long-term changes in brain function and structure.
Impact on Mental Health
Apart from your body, your mental health could take a hit with frequent ethanol consumption.
While you may feel relaxed and less anxious while drunk, the long-term impact of alcohol on the brain chemistry can contribute to the development or worsening of major depressive and anxiety disorders.
Alcohol Dependence
Continuing to drink despite knowing its adverse effects can lead to alcohol dependence. This is when your body becomes used to functioning with ethanol in the system.
Once you’re dependent, you may spend a lot of time thinking about what or when to drink. Some feel anxious or irritable until they’ve consumed alcohol.
Reducing or ceasing to drink results in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, such as sleep changes, shaking, sweating, mood swings, and fatigue.
Poisoning and Overdose
Heavy drinking can sometimes become life-threatening.
Poisoning happens when someone ingests massive amounts of ethanol within a short period. An overdose is when the alcohol enters the bloodstream and hinders the person’s breathing, heart rate, and temperature control.
If you think you or any of your loved ones are experiencing alcohol poisoning or overdose, seek medical assistance quickly.
Is Aggression a Sign of Alcohol Addiction?
Becoming an angry person when drunk isn’t necessarily a sign of AUD. However, if you find controlling your drinking difficult and are constantly preoccupied with alcohol regardless of the consequences, you could be dealing with an addiction.
Signs and Symptoms of AUD
Here are some other signs you should watch out for if you suspect you or someone you know may be addicted to alcohol:
- Constant and uncontrollable urge to drink
- Engaging in unsafe drinking behaviors (e.g., driving while drinking)
- Developing a high tolerance to alcohol, which leads to drinking more
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Giving up your social life to have more time drinking
People with AUD often have trouble managing their finances. They usually neglect their work and social commitments, resulting in poor performance and strained relationships.
How Is Alcohol Misuse or Addiction Treated?
Alcohol addiction treatment typically varies depending on severity and unique situations. Intervention could require a detox to eliminate the ethanol in the patient’s system.
Healthcare providers typically employ a combination of medication and talk therapies. Patients are encouraged to join support groups to find peers going through similar conditions and learn valuable coping mechanisms together.
Final Thoughts: Getting the Help You Deserve
Help is available. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol-induced aggression or addiction, consult with a health professional to learn about the available treatment options. Sometimes, it only takes one phone call to change your life.
Reach out to the Illinois Recovery Center and find expert and personalized treatment plans. Get your life back on track today!
