Q:

The only times I seem to get angry is when I drink a lot. I don't even remember what happened last time I got mad and had to have people tell me about it. Does this mean I have a drinking problem or an anger problem. I'd be happy to stop drinking if that's all it is. Thanks

A:

Alcohol tends to reduce inhibitions and that includes the inhibition to express anger, so some people do get more irritable and angry, the more they drink. If you don't recall what may have happened while you are drinking that is considered a "black out" where you are intoxicated to the point of memory impairment, which is a sign of alcohol abuse/dependency.

So the short answer is you likely do have both an alcohol problem which is aggravating your anger problem. Stopping drinking is the best answer and not always easy without good social support but the anger management issues are best handled with a professional counselor.

On campus, we have resources for both. Our Alcohol and Drug Counseling and Assessment service (ADCAS) is free, and reachable at 650-3643 and the Counseling Center is free, and reachable at 650-3416. Both are located on the fifth floor of Old Main.