The Little Blue Book

ABOUT ANGER Added dangers in alcohol (and drugs) The misuse of alcohol and drugs can increase risk of loss of control, and amplify the severity and frequency of chaotic, uncontrolled rage. Unfortunately, alcohol and drugs are too frequently co-conspirators in aggression and violent acts. When alcohol enters the body, it acts first on the regions of the brain associated with impulse control, emotional regulation and decision-making – the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. This makes an alcohol-affected person less inhibited – the brakes on their behaviours and emotions come off – and less-likely to think through the consequences of their behaviours, the moderating influence of higher-order decision-making. Alcohol raises levels of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) and dopamine, two neurotransmitters involved in loss of impulse control. It also elevates levels of the hormone norepinephrine – which, like adrenaline, is a ‘flight/fight’ hormone – increasing arousal and excitement. So, if you struggle with impulse control and emotional arousal, mismanaging alcohol just makes things worse. 1 This makes the combination of alcohol and diminished anger control so very dangerous, and explains why 60% of all police call-outs (and 90% of late-night calls) involve alcohol, and why one-in-five hospitalisations of young people under 25 are due to alcohol. 2 (Sustained alcohol-use disrupts the balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain, which has longer term negative effects on planning, problem solving, impulse control and addiction.) 3 Alcohol, anger and ‘lockdown’ Since the coronavirus lockdown, there has been an increase in reports of partner and family violence. In families and relationships where aggression, abuse and physical or mental violence is used for coercive control, the risks in lockdown – confined each day in the same space as the perpetrator – are real and extreme. Annabelle Daniel, the CEO of Community Women’s Shelters, told ABCTV’s The Drum, “there has been a 30 percent increase in the number of calls to her services (since lockdown)”. If you have problems managing your anger, this is no time for excuses. You’ve got work to do. A household managed on fear of violence, reprisal, perpetually walking on eggshells, fear of treading on a fragile out-of-control adult ego, is no place to raise a family. COVID-19: The Challenge 52