Rageaholic: Definition, Signs, & Treatments

What Is a Rageaholic?

Rageaholics often display intense anger outbursts and irritability, despite being seemingly unprovoked. Typically, the angry individual’s reaction is significantly mismatched with the situation itself. While “rageaholic” is not considered a clinical diagnosis, those experiencing it may be diagnosed with intermittent explosive disorder (IED).¹ These behaviors can be quite scary to observe, especially for someone who has never seen them before.

Rageaholics may make up as many as 16 million Americans, and studies suggest that males may be more aggressive than females. They further indicate that while males and females can be equally aggressive, males are more anger-responsive to provocation whereas women may react with non-aggressive behaviors.^1,4

Signs of a Rageaholic

Rageaholic behaviors can affect individuals of any age but are more common in younger people.  In children, signs of being a rageaholic generally begin between 12 to 14 years of age.² Adults may be more impulsive and physically or verbally violent as compared to younger populations. Indicators of these outbursts can include domestic abuse, throwing and/or breaking things, and road rage.¹

Signs of an angry outburst in children may include:³

• Tantrums
• Tirades
• Significant arguments
• Shouting
• Fighting
• Threatening or attacking people or animals
• Damaging their own or other’s property

Signs of an angry outburst in adults include:

• Irritability
• High energy levels
• Shaking
• Racing thoughts
• Increased heart rate
• Rage

Underlying Causes for a Rageaholic

Understanding the influence or drive of one’s rageaholic behaviors (e.g., abuse, stress, and familial history) can help the individual become more self-aware, reduce their short- and long-term risks, and improve their quality of life.

Possible causes for becoming a rageaholic include:¹

• Growing up in a verbally or physically abusive environment
• Growing up in an anger-filled environment.
• Having a family member with or history of rage or IED
• Differences in brain structure (i.e., limbic system and frontal lobes)
• Trauma to the brain or head
• Having a history of mental health disorders

Before an episode of rage, rageaholic behavior may be triggered by:⁵

• Stressful situations in which an individual may not be able to predict or control anxiety about the outcome
• Non-verbal body language such as people rolling their eyes or being stared at
• Verbal cues such as being interrupted, teased or bullied, threatened, yelled at, or mocked

How & When Does Normal Anger Become Rage?

Typical anger responses and rageaholic outbursts differ in a number of ways, especially in regard to individuals’ behaviors related to their emotions. Where normal anger may simmer over time and emerge in conversation, rage outbursts are less predictable. These will appear suddenly and without adequate observable reason. Outbursts of rage are also typically shorter (30 minutes or less) but more difficult to endure.¹

Normal anger may look like raised voices or yelling at its most extreme. However, rage outbursts can be much more dangerous and include explosive physical or verbal aggression, throwing and breaking items, tantrums, road rage, and domestic violence.^1,6

Health Risks of Being a Rageaholic

Individuals who are rageaholics experience a number of physical and mental health risks as a result of angry outbursts and behaviors. These risks, which include high blood pressure and physical injury, can occur over the short and long term. These impacts can affect their life in a number of significant ways.

For individuals who experience rageholic outbursts, short-term consequences often include unhealthy changes in the body, trouble maintaining relationships, and incarceration. Long-term risks can be much more dangerous, both to an individual’s physical health and ability to function and maintain a healthy, happy life.

Short-term health risks of being a rageaholic include:¹

• Increased blood pressure
• Difficulties with interpersonal relationships due to mismatched responses and aggression
• Difficulties with mood related to the stress of the inability to control emotions and reactions
• Difficulties with school, career, and income
• Risk of physical injuries as a result of verbal and physical aggression
• Risk of being arrested

Long-term risks of being a rageaholic include:¹

• Unfinished education, especially if individuals do not have support
• Instability in work history and employment
• Difficulty maintaining relationships and poor social skills
• Difficulties with alcohol and substances
• Instability in mental health
• Increased risk of self-harm or suicide
• Increased risk for mood disorders (depression, anxiety, etc.)
• Increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, chronic pain, and ulcers
• Potential for incarceration

Treatment For Rageaholics

Treatment options for rageaholics often include inpatient or outpatient treatment, therapy, and medication. Other options for therapy exist as well, such as group therapy which provides individuals further support through engaging with others who have experienced rage and outbursts.^6,7

Inpatient Treatment

If rageaholics find themselves being arrested, physically and verbally aggressive, or continuously argumentative with their support system, they may benefit from residential programs. These programs include daily work with individual and group therapists where rageaholics learn how to express their emotions, increase self-control, become more self-aware, and manage anger without suppressing emotion.⁷. They would also potentially be monitored for medication or guided and encouraged in exercise and self-care.

Outpatient Treatment

For people who are not a threat to others and/or are unable to attend inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment can help. A person will attend individual therapy, possibly moving to a more regular schedule of sessions. This allows them to maintain their regular routine while also learning how to manage and cope with emotions and increase awareness of triggers. Outpatient individuals may also attend 12-step rageaholic group meetings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The most common type of therapy for rageaholic behavior is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anger. The goal of CBT is to increase understanding of the negative thoughts behind one’s anger in order to identify the connection between behavior and outburst. This approach also works on improving the person’s communication skills, learning problem-solving skills, and increasing their ability to handle stress. CBT generally lasts between 12 to 20 sessions, although this can change depending on one’s treatment plan .^6,7,8

Medication

Although therapy is typically the most common intervention for individuals exhibiting rageaholic behavior, medication for anger can also be beneficial. These can help reduce one’s outbursts, increase mood stability, and reduce other potential symptoms that may be influencing the rage.

Medication can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist, primary care physician (PCP), or advanced practice nurse. Broadly, medications to manage emotions and anger include anti-anxiety meds, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and anti-seizure medications.^7,8,9

How to Help a Rageaholic Teen

Because teenagers may not recognize their rage easily, they may have difficulties keeping themselves and others safe. Try enrolling them in therapy or support groups to help them manage their emotions and anger in safe and healthy ways. Practice coping techniques with them and urge them to maintain therapy or medications.

It can be helpful to explore whether there are triggers or warning signs to their outbursts. You may be able to help guide the individual to a calmer state of mind if these warning signs begin to show. Be sure that everyone in the household practices effective communication skills as well to reduce misunderstandings and boost healthy interactions.

Other ways to help teenagers to express their emotions and anger are:

• Encourage active behavior: This could include going for a walk, hitting a punching bag, or getting involved in sports.
• Encourage personal time: If the teen is becoming aware of their warning signs, help them calm down and de-escalate when they begin to exhibit rageaholic behavior.
• Help them identify triggers to their emotions: By doing so, they can learn how to identify what is causing their rage when they need to calm down.
• Explore ways to express anger: Expressing anger could include creating music or art or some other creative activity.

How to Cope as a Rageaholic

There are a number of interventions that exist for individuals with rageaholic behavior, including CBT, group therapy, and medication. However, they can also manage their rage outbursts with at-home techniques like meditation and relaxation practices.

Below are seven tips for coping with rageaholic techniques:^1,10

1. Practice relaxation and breathing techniques: Grounding exercises, deep breathing, meditation for anger, or guided imagery can help slow your heart rate and lower reaction time.
2. Complete a body check: Scan yourself for warning signs that anger or other intense emotions are rising. Once this is done, try applying relaxation techniques.
3. Walking away and changing the environment: If anger and rage cues are visible, walking away can help reduce stress and anger. It also allows you the time to de-escalate your emotions.
4. Challenge negative or stressful thoughts: Before reacting, practice countering angry urges with rational thoughts about the situation.
5. Utilize communication skills: Especially when emotions start to increase, try to listen to the other person and take a moment to respond without reacting.
6. Do something active: This can help lower stress levels, get rid of tension in the body, and help you process your emotions
7. Reduce or avoid substances: Limit intake of alcohol or drugs, particularly if a history of angry reactions tends to coincide with use.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a rageaholic or a loved one is, remember that you are not alone. There are ways to improve your well-being. Consider starting therapy, joining a support group, practicing coping techniques, or talking with family and friends. Exploring these options can increase your overall quality of life.