Alcohol-Adapted Anger Management Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Innovative Therapy for Alcohol...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Alcohol dependence is often comorbid with anger issues.
• Effective treatments addressing both anger and alcohol use are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare an innovative alcohol-adapted anger management (AM) treatment with Alcoholics Anonymous Facilitation (AAF) for individuals with alcohol dependence and anger.
• To investigate the differential impact of anger and Alcoholics Anonymous involvement on treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 76 outpatient alcohol-dependent men and women.
• Participants were assigned to either AM or AAF treatment and followed for 6 months post-treatment.
• Outcomes measured included heavy drinking days, alcohol consequences, anger, anger cognitions, abstinence, and self-confidence.

Main Results:

• Both AM and AAF treatments led to significant reductions in heavy drinking, alcohol consequences, anger, and maladaptive anger thoughts, alongside increased abstinence and self-confidence.
• AAF treatment was associated with greater Alcoholics Anonymous involvement compared to AM treatment.
• Changes in anger and Alcoholics Anonymous involvement predicted post-treatment alcohol outcomes for both groups.

Conclusions:

• Anger management and Alcoholics Anonymous involvement are key factors in treating alcohol dependence, particularly for anger-involved clients.
• Treatment approaches should consider anger-related constructs and drinking triggers for individuals with comorbid anger and alcohol dependence.