If you’ve recently quit smoking weed, meth, alcohol, or any other substance, chances are you’re feeling irritable and angrier than usual. Anger and addiction often go hand in hand, especially during the early stages of recovery. While some people can avoid substances and seem unaffected, others with longer histories of drug abuse may find it hard to adjust to having fun, being entertained, or relaxing without the help of substances. After all, the majority of these drugs were designed to influence your mood, no matter the long-term consequences.
This article explores the connection between anger and addiction, explains why you might feel angry when you’re not high, highlights substances that can cause irritability, and provides anger management tips to help you navigate sobriety.
Why Anger and Addiction Are Linked
You’re probably feeling angry when you’re not high because your brain isn’t used to producing its own feel-good chemicals. One of the most common withdrawal symptoms of most substances, including nicotine and caffeine, is irritability. Anger and addiction are deeply intertwined because substances like cocaine, alcohol, or marijuana train your brain to rely on external sources for dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward. Over time, your body may produce less dopamine on its own, leaving you feeling irritable, frustrated, and angry when you stop using.
Habits, whether they involve substances or not, can program your mind and body to expect certain rewards at specific times. For example, drinking coffee or going to the gym daily creates a pattern. When you disrupt this pattern—such as quitting a substance—your body can go into panic mode, triggering anger and irritability. These feelings are temporary, but they can be intense, especially during the early stages of recovery.
How Long Does Anger Last During Recovery?
The duration of anger and irritability during recovery depends on the substance and your individual circumstances. For example, detoxing from cannabis can take around 20 days for your body to completely purge THC and resume normal functions. However, substances with a higher potential for addiction, such as meth or alcohol, can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms, including prolonged anger and irritability.
In some cases, individuals may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which can last for months and include symptoms like irritability, mood swings, and anxiety. Anger and addiction can create a vicious cycle, as the discomfort of withdrawal often intensifies cravings, making it harder to stay sober.
Substances That Can Trigger Anger and Irritability
Several substances are known to cause irritability and anger when you quit. Here are some of the most notable:
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): THC affects dopamine levels by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. When you stop using cannabis, your brain struggles to regulate dopamine, leading to irritability and mood swings.
- Methamphetamine (Meth): Meth causes a massive release of dopamine, which can deplete your brain’s natural supply over time. Withdrawal often results in intense anger and emotional instability.
- Alcohol: Alcohol indirectly affects dopamine levels in the brain’s reward system. Quitting alcohol can lead to irritability, anxiety, and even severe withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens.
- Heroin and Opioids: These substances bind to opioid receptors, blocking pain and inducing relaxation. Withdrawal can cause extreme irritability, physical discomfort, and emotional distress.
- Caffeine: While caffeine doesn’t directly increase dopamine levels as much as other substances, quitting it can lead to irritability, headaches, and mood swings due to changes in adenosine levels.
- Nicotine: Nicotine increases dopamine levels in the brain’s reward pathway. Quitting smoking often results in irritability and anger as your brain adjusts to the lack of nicotine.
Anger Management Tips for Sobriety
Managing anger and addiction during recovery is crucial for maintaining sobriety. Here are some practical tips to help you cope:
- Communicate Openly: If you’re feeling more irritable than usual, let trusted friends or family members know that you’re going through withdrawal. This can help them understand your mood and offer support.
- Change Your Environment: Avoid situations or places where you used to use substances. Engage in activities like walking, listening to music, or creative hobbies to distract yourself from cravings and anger.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Recovery is a challenging process, and it’s okay to struggle. Remind yourself that irritability and anger are temporary and will subside over time.
- Apologize When Necessary: If your irritability leads to rude or unpleasant behavior, take responsibility and apologize. This can help repair relationships and reduce feelings of guilt.
Making Withdrawals More Comfortable
Some withdrawal symptoms, especially from substances like alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines, can be dangerous without medical supervision. Severe alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and delirium tremens, while opioid withdrawal can lead to respiratory depression. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can trigger prolonged seizures. For these reasons, it’s always recommended to detox under professional medical supervision.
Seeking Help for Anger and Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with anger and addiction, reaching out for professional help is essential. At Knoxville Recovery Center, we offer customized addiction treatment programs designed to address the psychological and emotional challenges of recovery. Our therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you manage anger, anxiety, and irritability, setting you on the path to long-term recovery.
Anger and addiction don’t have to control your life. With the right support and strategies, you can overcome these challenges and build a healthier, substance-free future. Contact us or call us at Knoxville Recovery Center today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve your recovery goals.
