Anger, Alcoholism, and Addiction:
Treating Individuals, Couples, and Families
Ronald T. Potter-Efron
Synopsis
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"OK, I'm not using (or drinking) anymore, but what do I do with my anger?" If a client finds
no answers to this question, relapse is likely, fear will continue to poison the family atmosphere,
and therapeutic gains will be jeopardized. Now, with this book in hand, counselors and therapists
can help the recovering alcoholic or addict develop skills to manage anger and avoid outbursts of
aggression or violence. Intended primarily for counselors working with alcoholics, addicts, and
their families in chemical dependency treatment settings, clinics, or private practice, as well as
for those treating family violence, this book elucidates the complex relationships among anger,
aggression, and chemical abuse. Early chapters present models of normal anger, anger avoidance,
and chronic anger. The authors describe how both anger avoidance and chronic anger are related to
chemical use patterns, the effects upon family members, and how change can be initiated. A brief
device for assessing chronic anger and its functions is included. General principles for treating
anger problems, as well as specific applications of these principles in a chemical dependency
treatment, are presented. Special attention is given to the challenges of anger management with
the chronically angry. In addition, selected aspects of anger and aggression, including explosiveness,
anger-inducing thought patterns, and long-term resentments, are covered. Anger and aggression
reverberate within the family and immediate environment. Strategies are included here for helping
affected family members live with an angry (and perhaps addicted) person, for working with angry
couples, and for treatment of adult children from homes dominated by anger and addiction. The
authors also address the need to treat self-directed and self-destructive anger. Finally,
they look at professional anger issues, since many counselors have problems with excessive anger
or anger avoidance, in both their professional and their person
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