Why Does Alcohol Make People Angry

Why Does Alcohol Make People Angry?

Dr. Eric Chaghouri, M.D.

You may have seen someone drunk become extremely angry — shouting, throwing things, and acting out. Perhaps you have a loved one who becomes unreasonable in their anger when they have been drinking. That person may even be you as you try to understand the relationship between drinking alcohol and anger or alcohol and aggression. You may want to know, “Why does alcohol make you angry?”

The Connection Between Alcohol and Anger

Drinking alcohol causes the prefrontal cortex part of the brain to be inhibited. This area of the brain is responsible for solving problems, managing emotions, and making sound judgments. When it’s inhibited, feelings will dominate rational thought, which can lead to alcoholic rage syndrome.

Alcohol and anger work in the same way as sleep deprivation, stress, and even some drugs in how they can make people more emotional. For some people, this may mean they are happier and act silly when drinking, while others get angry more easily. Studies indicate that alcohol is linked more closely with aggression than any other substance.

Why Does Alcohol Make You Angry?

Alcohol can provide a distraction from various negative emotions, including anger. The anger becomes displaced, directed toward someone who isn’t the original target. The new target may be seen as less threatening than the person they are furious with.

Studies show that displays of anger are seen more often in men than in women and in people who already tend toward anger. Research also indicates that people who become angry after drinking cannot identify facial expressions correctly. In other words, they may see hostility where none exists.

Another issue with alcohol consumption and anger is that the person is less likely to consider the consequences of their actions¹. They may get in a fight and not think about going to jail or losing a friendship.

Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse can affect the brain and the body. Drinking too much causes interference in the communication pathways of the brain. It affects the way the brain is able to function, changing the person’s moods and behaviors. It prevents them from being able to think clearly. Some of these changes to the brain may be permanent, including memory loss.

Alcohol also impacts the health of your body. It can cause problems with the heart, leading to high blood pressure and stroke. Heavy drinking will also have an impact on the liver, leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. It can cause problems with the pancreas and even increase the risk of developing several types of cancer. Too much alcohol can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to diseases².

Treatments for Alcohol Abuse

While alcohol abuse can have severe consequences and lead to long-term damage and even death, some of the effects can be reversed when you stop drinking. If you have been abusing alcohol and want to stop, be assured that treatment exists.

Legacy Healing Centers is a state-of-the-art alcohol treatment facility that can help you begin your path to recovery. The first step in recovering from alcohol addiction is detoxing and getting it out of your system. Our treatment specialists will help you through this phase, using medications to assist with withdrawal symptoms. It’s important that you don’t try to detox on your own because some of the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol abuse can be dangerous and even fatal.

Our treatment specialists will evaluate you and determine a treatment plan to help you overcome your addiction. We offer a partial hospitalization program and inpatient treatment to provide the support you need. Your plan will include individual and group therapy as well as various other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy treatment.

Once you have graduated from this program, you can move on to our outpatient addiction treatment program. We also offer aftercare and 12-step meetings to help you continue to receive the support you need and avoid relapse. Our team is here to help you be successful and learn how to regain control of your emotions and feelings instead of turning to alcohol.

How to Find Help

If you are tired of angry outbursts and hurting others from your drinking, know that we are here for you. Legacy Healing Centers will help you make a new start. Contact us today at 888-534-2295 to find out how to get help for alcohol abuse and to determine your next step.

 

Frequently Asked

Questions about Why Does Alcohol Make People Angry

Alcohol affects the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for judgment and emotional control. When this area is inhibited, emotions become harder to manage, leading some people to feel irritable or aggressive. If you often notice anger after drinking, it could signal a deeper issue such as alcohol abuse or difficulty regulating emotions under the influence.

Alcoholic rage syndrome refers to extreme anger, aggression, or violent behavior that occurs when someone drinks heavily or regularly abuses alcohol. It happens because alcohol disrupts brain chemistry and impairs emotional regulation. Over time, repeated episodes of alcohol-induced rage can damage relationships, careers, and health without professional treatment.

Alcohol lowers inhibitions and impairs self-control, which can cause emotions like frustration or anger to surface more easily. Some individuals are naturally more prone to aggression, and drinking amplifies those tendencies. Alcohol also alters how people perceive others’ behavior, making them misinterpret harmless actions as threatening — a common cause of fights and outbursts.

The best way to control anger after drinking is to reduce or eliminate alcohol use. Therapy techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and anger management can help address triggers. Joining an inpatient alcohol rehab program at Legacy Healing Center can also provide structured support to manage both alcohol dependence and emotional reactions.

Yes. Inpatient alcohol rehab programs like those at Legacy Healing Center treat both addiction and the emotional challenges that come with it. Through therapies such as CBT, trauma-informed care, and group counseling, clients learn healthier ways to manage anger and stress without relying on alcohol. Professional treatment helps rebuild emotional balance and self-control.