by Bill

We see a lot of people in early recovery who are angry — angry at their parents, their bosses, the world, and often at themselves.  Anger can be a useful tool.  Nearly always a result of fear, whether obvious or hidden, anger prepares us to deal with challenges that demand forging on against whatever odds.  In many cases, the alternative would be cowering in a corner and waiting for the wolf to have its way with us.

When we are facing an obvious opponent, with obvious action to be taken, our anger can be used and often discharged.  But when the situation is such that we can’t strike back, through social position (say, at an employer) or size (a parent, bully or other), or simply because we have no recourse, anger can be a problem that far surpasses the cause. Continue reading →