Why Some People Are Jerks When They Drink Alcohol

Many people express shock at how their spouse or significant other behaves under the influence and wonder whether alcohol consumption can genuinely alter personality. Additionally, they question whether the hurtful or aggressive remarks made during intoxication reflect true feelings. A mental health professional can help determine if you have an underlying mental health condition that may be causing your anger issues. If you believe your anger is out of control or if it’s negatively affecting your life or relationships, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.

My Significant Other is a Mean Drunk. How Can I Deal?

An episode where someone becomes aggressive while intoxicated and later has no memory of it due https://dev-relaxium.pantheonsite.io/2025/09/30/xanax-explained-how-it-works-when-it-helps-and/ to an alcohol-induced blackout. Couples-focused therapy can reduce family conflict during recovery (alcohol-focused couples therapy). Blackouts occur when the brain cannot transfer short-term experiences into long-term memory.

How To Overcome Alcoholic Rage Syndrome

Everyone’s personality is unique, and while it can change as you experience life, the major components tend to persist through the years. Recognizing the signs early and seeking professional help can significantly improve the chances of overcoming dependence and restoring overall well-being. While alcohol dependence can be debilitating, recovery is possible with the right support, including therapy, medical intervention, and structured rehabilitation programs. Symptoms usually start in early childhood and continue throughout a person’s life.

FAQ: Rage Blackouts, Blackout Rage, and Alcohol

why do some people get angry when they drink

Most of us know someone who goes from quiet and reserved to extremely touchy-feely when they are drunk. The combination makes some people more loving than usual when they’ve had too much to drink. This point is easier said than done, but you can achieve it with help from a treatment program.

The implication is that both the drinking habits and the violence are merely elements of a larger pattern of abuse in these people. In other words, both the actions of violence and the actions of drinking are parts of the abusive behavior, but neither is causing the other. Alcohol’s impact on personality can lead to profound behavioral shifts, sometimes transforming mild-mannered individuals into aggressive or hostile versions of themselves. This complex issue is influenced by genetics, psychological health, and stress levels. For those dealing with a loved one who exhibits troubling changes when drinking, prioritizing personal safety and emotional well-being is crucial.

Some organizations offer specialized support for those dealing with both alcohol and anger issues, addressing the unique challenges of this combination. Substance abuse People who struggle with anger may find their emotions harder to control when drinking. This can lead to poor decisions and less control over emotions. With effective professional help, you can eliminate alcohol from your body and make lifestyle changes that support successful recovery.

How are angry drunk episodes treated?

  • Alcohol has a way of dredging up these buried emotions and forcing us to confront them, often in the least convenient moments.
  • Through reliable resources and accessible services, we guide people toward self-understanding and connection.
  • A direct confrontation could lead to a fight which may have a negative outcome for them.
  • Our loved ones may get tired of taking care of us when we’ve overdone the alcohol, yet again.

It is important to note that male participants were more aggressive in their responses than their female counterparts, but the impacts of alcohol and personality were almost interchangeable in both sexes. Women who were present-focused were still much more aggressive when drunk than women who were future-focused, just like men. Luckily, that clarity can be beneficial because it means that you have a chance to put your foot down and stop what you’re doing. If you become a crazy drunk person when you’re drinking, and you drink often, it’s probably safe to say you’re an alcoholic. Unfortunately, quitting something that’s become an addiction isn’t as easy as simply making the decision to stop.

It also noted that sexual aggression was higher with alcohol, even in men with low trait anger and reasonable anger management skills. People who tend to ignore the future consequences of their behavior, or score low on the Consideration of Future Consequences (CFC) scale, have been found to display more aggression. This is heightened when consuming alcohol, according to a 2012 study.

why do some people get angry when they drink

Addiction to being intoxicated

why do some people get angry when they drink

Therefore, drunk behavior can be explained when someone acts aggressively toward the misperceived “threat” — even if there isn’t one. The reduction in activity in these regions “may reflect reduced self-awareness” in intoxicated people, they added. If you’re interested in working with a professional, BetterHelp has a network of licensed professionals with years of experience. No matter who you are or what your story is, you should never feel as though you are alone and without anyone to turn to.

We Care About Your Privacy

  • Studies indicate that excessive alcohol consumption is a leading factor in domestic conflicts.
  • It can make people more likely to express anger they usually hold back.
  • Individuals with a history of aggression or violence may also be at higher risk.
  • Granted, sometimes other people do contribute to problems that rightfully cause anger.

People with impulsive personalities are more likely to become aggressive when drinking. Angry people hold grudges because anger makes it difficult to accept and forgive bad situations. A grudge is the result of a bad situation or a wrong that was done to another person. If you wrong an angry person, they may want revenge instead of a resolution. The reduction of activity in these brain regions may reflect a decrease in self-awareness and an drunk aggression increased bias toward hostile cues in the environment, resulting in more aggression. The two studies shed light on why some individuals get mean when they drink — a mix of personality, science and social context.

Remember, quitting a substance cold turkey can lead to health issues, so it’s best to enlist professional help. There are several risk factors, all of which impact people differently. The answer to why you get angry when you drink alcohol is complex.