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Hostility in Sobriety
There is a long-recognized association between alcohol consumption and aggressive behavior. But does aggression and hostility continue into sobriety?
This study was designed to examine aggression in a group of socially well-adapted recovering alcoholics.
The question addressed was whether the treatment, together with long-term abstinence from alcohol, could reduce aggression and hostility in recovered alcoholics.
Sixty four male stable alcoholics with at least 3 years sobriety were compared with 69 non-alcoholics. Neither group had any other psychological problems.
Both groups were given a questionnaire on general characteristics as well as aggressive and hostility traits.
After a 3-year abstinence, men from the recovering alcoholics group displayed greater signs of hostility and covert aggression.
They were different from non-alcoholics on measures for indirect aggression, irritability, negativism, suspicion, resentment, and guilt.
If you are suffering from anger or aggression talk to your sponsor and revisit the 12 steps.
Research report; Ziherl S, Cebasek Travnik Z, Kores Plesnicar B, Tomori M, Zalar B. Trait aggression and hostility in recovered alcoholics. Eur Addict Res 2007; 13(2): 89-93.
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