Anger—a legitimate emotion requiring control and limits
Even in the best of relationships there may be differences, conflict, and anger. Anger is a legitimate emotion that can be both useful and constructive. As a defense mechanism it can be a means of self-protection; it can also serve as a motivator or as a means of communicating displeasure with a situation. While anger may be a difficult emotion to either express or control, it need not be acted out to be effective and should never be used to cause harm to another person or property.
We need to take particular care where alcohol, other drugs, and/or weapons are present in a conflict situation. Whenever one or all of these are introduced, anger can become particularly hurtful and destructive. Alcohol and other drugs inhibit its management and may cause an otherwise controllable situation to escalate into violent conflict. Knowing this may help not only our relationships but also our emotional and physical well-being and safety.
Text developed by Patricia A. Martin, Ed.D.,
Director of Education for Health and Wellness
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