When anger and addiction collide

Anger management rehab that actually works

Uncontrolled anger and substance use often go hand in hand. We help clients understand the root of their behaviour, rebuild control, and recover for good.

Take a self-assessment or speak to someone now, with no pressure to commit.

A man with eyes closed and headphones on practices meditation during inpatient care at The Hader Clinic as part of his anger management therapy.

Integrated anger and addiction support

Trauma-informed, non-judgmental care

CBT for emotion regulation and relapse prevention

Dual diagnosis expertise

A woman sits in a therapy session at The Hader Clinic, rubbing her forehead in frustration as she works through anger and emotional triggers.
Anger isn’t just emotional — it’s clinical

How anger and substance use fuel each other

Anger is part of being human. But when it's tied up with substance use, it can become overwhelming — even dangerous. Research published in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry shows that people who use drugs or alcohol often experience more intense anger than those who don't, increasing the risk of relapse.

Substance use can heighten irritability, impair emotional control, and make it harder to think clearly. Without support, the combination of anger and addiction can spiral quickly. That’s why our program includes tools for navigating stress, frustration, and conflict in real time.

  • Anger can make it harder to regulate emotions and think clearly in high-stress situations.
  • Using drugs or alcohol can heighten aggression and reduce impulse control.
  • Lasting recovery means learning new strategies to handle frustration and conflict.

We’ll call it when it suits you, with no pressure to commit

Practical tools for emotional control

What’s included in our anger management rehab

Our program blends clinical therapy, structured routine, and practical strategies that help clients respond to anger in safer, more constructive ways.

  • Clients build skills to pause and respond rather than react in the moment.
  • Each day includes structured therapy and emotion regulation exercises.
  • Sessions focus on identifying triggers and developing coping strategies.
  • Support is available 24/7 from experienced clinical and peer staff.
  • We help clients rebuild trust, boundaries, and self-awareness.
  • Clients leave with a personalised aftercare plan to support long-term change.
Support for more than just anger

Help for co-occurring mental health challenges

Anger rarely exists in isolation. We support clients who also experience anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, or other complex mental health needs alongside substance use.

PTSD

Evidence-based care for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction. We help people stabilise, reprocess trauma, and build a safer, more connected life.

Schizophrenia

Rehab for schizophrenia requires specialised, integrated care. We treat psychotic symptoms, stabilise mental health, and help people manage addiction together.

Personality disorders

Borderline personality disorder and addiction often go hand in hand. Both can be overwhelming, but with the right treatment, recovery is possible. You do not have to face it alone.

OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance use can reinforce each other in ways that make everyday life feel unmanageable. But recovery is possible with the right kind of care.

Domestic Violence

Supportive, trauma-informed addiction rehab for people affected by intimate partner violence (IPV), past or present.

Depression

We support people experiencing depression and addiction with evidence-based, compassionate treatment. Our inpatient program offers integrated support for mental health, substance use, and the stressors behind both.

Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is complex, especially when addiction is also in the picture. Our inpatient rehab program supports people with bipolar disorder using proven treatment options that address both.

Anxiety

Rehab for substance abuse and anxiety treatment

Anger Management

Uncontrolled anger and substance use often go hand in hand. We help clients understand the root of their behaviour, rebuild control, and recover for good.

ADHD

ADHD can make addiction harder to treat but with the right structure, support, and care, recovery is absolutely possible.

Why anger needs its own treatment path

Understanding anger in addiction recovery

Anger is a powerful, often destructive force that can undermine recovery when left unaddressed.

What is anger management disorder?

Anger becomes a clinical concern when it escalates beyond frustration and leads to verbal, emotional, or physical harm. Often rooted in past trauma, unmet needs, or emotional suppression, this kind of anger shows up as…

Signs and symptoms of unregulated anger

Recognising the patterns behind anger is critical for long-term recovery. People who struggle with anger often feel constantly on edge, misunderstood, or reactive in everyday situations.

How anger and substance use affect each other

Substance use can dull emotional pain, but it also lowers impulse control, making outbursts more likely. At the same time, anger can push people to use substances as a coping strategy, creating a toxic cycle.

What happens in anger rehab treatment?

In anger management rehab, clients learn to understand the source of their anger and develop safer, healthier ways to express it. This involves therapeutic tools, emotional education, and consistent practice.

Who benefits from anger rehab?

This type of treatment is ideal for people whose anger causes personal, relational, or legal issues, especially when combined with substance use. It supports both those who act out and those who shut down.

CONFIDENTIAL SELF-ASSESSMENT TOOL

Worried about your drinking or drug use?

This short, confidential quiz takes less than two minutes and can help you make sense of what’s going on. Choose the category that feels most relevant to you — whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or a mix of concerns — and we’ll guide you through a few simple yes/no questions.

At the end, we’ll let you know if your answers suggest it might be time to consider rehab, and share safe, confidential options for getting started.

Take the quiz now
Support across every stage of recovery

How we treat anger and addiction together

Every client’s journey looks different. That’s why our anger management rehab includes access to detox, inpatient treatment, family support, and digital aftercare. Each stage builds emotional insight and reinforces new behaviours.

Residential program

Live-in rehab with structured support, therapy, and life skills training in a safe, recovery-focused setting.

Young couple holding hands during a counselling session, seeking support through family and relationship therapy.

Family Program

Education, group support, and counselling to help families understand addiction and support their loved one’s recovery.

Woman participating in a virtual recovery session from home, engaging in structured therapy through the Hader at Home online rehab program

Hader at Home

A fully digital recovery program with daily check-ins, online therapy, and self-guided workbooks for post-rehab care.

Brunette woman smiling and sharing a personal breakthrough during group therapy, celebrating progress in her outpatient recovery journey.

Intensive outpatient program

Structured addiction support with therapy, group sessions, and relapse prevention, designed to fit around daily life.

A male resident chats with his rehab counsellor.

Counselling

Trauma-informed therapy, addiction counselling, and family support available in person or via secure online sessions.

Woman embracing her partner after a heartfelt intervention at home, offering support and encouragement as he agrees to seek help for addiction.

Interventions

Professional support to help families stage a safe, structured intervention and guide their loved one into treatment.

View from a private luxury residence looking out onto a sandy backyard and beachfront, with loungers and tropical landscaping designed for peaceful, discreet recovery.

Executive rehab

Private, one-on-one treatment in a luxury setting with complete discretion and a personalised recovery schedule.

ANZAC Day tribute featuring a vintage Australian Army .303 rifle with slouch hat and rising sun badge, soldier’s dog tags, floral wreath, and the Australian flag in the background

DVA rehab

Specialised trauma-informed inpatient care for veterans and first responders, fully funded for eligible DVA clients.

A resident sitting on a couch in a shared space, working on his personal journal as part of his court-ordered rehabilitation.

Court-ordered rehab

Structured inpatient program with detox, therapy, and forensic reporting to meet bail or sentencing requirements.

Man in transitional housing tying his shoelaces as he prepares for a new day of work, rebuilding structure and independence after inpatient rehab.

Transitional housing

Recovery-focused accommodation with therapy, structure, and support to bridge the gap between rehab and independent living.

Supportive group therapy session at a medical detox centre, where diverse clients share their experiences and a psychologist gently encourages a new participant

Hospital detox

24/7 medically supervised detox in a licensed private hospital, including withdrawal support and psychiatric care.

A simple, supportive admissions process

What to expect when you reach out

Step1

Speak with someone who understands

You’ll connect with a real person — not a call centre — who will listen without judgment and walk you through the next steps.

Step2

Get a tailored intake and care plan

We’ll assess your needs, including any mental health, legal, or funding concerns, and develop a clear plan for entering treatment.

We’re here whenever you’re ready – book a call or speak to someone now.

What makes our program unique

Why choose our anger management rehab

We provide integrated care for clients dealing with substance use and significant anger challenges. Our programs are informed by real clinical data and tailored for emotional safety, behaviour change, and long-term relapse prevention.

A program built for dual recovery

We don’t separate anger and addiction. Our treatment addresses both at once, targeting the shared triggers, behaviours, and emotional patterns that link them.

Designed to reduce emotional overwhelm

Group and one-on-one sessions are paced to support regulation. We reduce sensory stress, build safety, and provide space to practise new emotional responses.

Real-world tools for conflict and control

We help clients recognise tension, de-escalate in the moment, and express anger safely. Techniques are practised until they become reliable in high-stress situations.

Delivered by people who understand

Our clinical team includes trauma-informed therapists and addiction specialists. Many of our peer workers have lived experience managing both anger and recovery.

Support for all types of addiction

A holistic approach to anger management and rehab

From alcohol and drug rehab to trauma-informed counselling, our programs support the full spectrum of addiction and recovery needs.

Alcohol rehab

Individualised programs that address the physical, emotional, and behavioural impacts of alcohol dependence.

Drug rehab

Structured, supportive inpatient programs for a range of illicit and prescription drugs.

Emergency rehab

Fast-tracked admission options for people in crisis who need urgent, stabilising care.

Relapse prevention

Practical, real-world strategies to manage triggers, avoid setbacks and maintain long-term recovery.

Nationally recognised and accredited

Safe, qualified and accountable care

The Hader Clinic is fully accredited under the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards, overseen by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC). This means every aspect of your care, from clinical processes to ethical standards, meets rigorous national benchmarks.

Real people. Real recovery.

Stories from clients and families

Anger and addiction can isolate people, but healing is possible. These stories show how real clients rebuilt control, connection and self-respect in recovery.

Ali Ademi

After years of trauma, addiction, and loss, Ali found the strength to rebuild his life through the support of a compassionate team, a sense of community, and a commitment to long-term healing.

Minh

After 32 years of addiction, Minh Pham found hope, healing, and a new path at The Hader Clinic. His journey is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and courage.

Peter El-Khouri

After multiple relapses, Peter found long-term recovery with Hader. Read how therapy, community and clinical care helped him reclaim his life.

Where our anger rehab programs take place

Our two facilities are designed to support emotional regulation and behaviour change. In Geelong, our private hospital offers a calm, clinical setting for medical detox and stabilisation. In Essendon, our residential rehab centre provides structured inpatient care with private rooms, daily therapy, and a focus on rebuilding healthy responses. Both environments offer the safety, consistency, and support needed to work through anger in a productive and lasting way.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Program and Transitional Housing program

Essendon
150-152 Cooper St, Essendon VIC 3040

Hospital Rehabilitation Centre for 28-Day Withdrawal & Detox Program

Geelong
6-8 Townsend Road,St Albans Park VIC 3219

83%

Clients who complete our 90-day program remain sober at 12 months.

72%

Clients enrol in Hader@Home aftercare or transitional housing to support long-term engagement and reduce relapse risk.

60%

Clients who access structured aftercare are significantly more likely to maintain recovery and avoid relapse.

50%

Half of all people with addiction also have a co-occurring mental health condition, highlighting the need for dual diagnosis support.

Measurable outcomes that matter

Real results from real clients

We track outcomes that show genuine change, not just attendance. From emotional regulation to sustained sobriety, our programs make a measurable difference for clients managing anger and addiction.

View our sources below:

Get help for anger and addiction that feels out of control

You don’t need to hit rock bottom to reach out. Whether you’re angry all the time, struggling with substances, or just not feeling like yourself, we’re here.

Take a free online assessment

Take a quick, private quiz to see if rehab could help and explore safe support options.

Book a free chat

 Schedule a confidential call with a specialist at a time that suits you.

Call us now

 Speak to someone immediately for guidance and support.

Costs and funding support

Making anger rehab more accessible

We offer several funding options and flexible payment structures, and we’ll help you choose the combination that best suits your situation.

Rehab costs 

All programs include accommodation, meals, clinical care and support. We’ll explain all costs clearly before you commit.

Explore rehab options

Funding options 

We support self-funding, superannuation, DVA, payment plans and more. Our team will help you explore what’s available.

Learn more about funding costs
Compassionate experts, real experience

Meet the team behind your care

Our multidisciplinary team includes therapists, doctors, nurses, and peer support workers, all deeply experienced in treating addiction, trauma, and emotional dysregulation.

Dr. Yohannes, the resident clinical psychologist at The Hader Clinic’s private hospital.
 Richard Smith, program director and founder of The Hader Clinic.
Compassionate experts, real experience

About The Hader Clinic

For more than 25 years, we’ve supported Australians facing addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. Everything we do is informed by evidence, compassion, and lived experience.

Funding options We support self-funding, superannuation, DVA, payment plans and more. Our team will help you explore what’s available.

Supporting all pathways into recovery

Whether you’re reaching out for yourself or someone you love, we’ll listen, explain your options, and help you take the next step with clarity and care.

Rehab for yourself

We offer individualised programs for people ready to address anger and substance use in a supportive, structured environment.

Woman sits curled on a couch by a bright window, appearing reflective and concerned

Rehab for a loved one

If you’re concerned about someone’s safety or behaviour, we’ll help you understand your options and how to offer the right kind of support.

A couple sits together in a therapist’s office, listening with concern and support
Learn more about anger, addiction, and recovery

Explore the issues in more depth

Recovery from anger and substance use isn’t always straightforward. These blogs offer insight, guidance, and next steps for clients and loved ones alike.

Take the first step with us

Enquire about anger management rehab today

It’s never too soon to ask for help. Whether you’re ready for treatment or just exploring your options, we’re here to guide you.

Speak to someone who understands

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Get the clarity you need

Frequently asked questions

What if I don’t have substance issues but struggle with anger?

Anger management treatment is still valuable even if you don't use substances. Many people seek professional help to address intense reactions, emotional regulation, or conflict patterns that affect work, family, or wellbeing. These issues can stem from unresolved trauma, chronic stress, or a co-occurring mental health condition. Whether or not addiction is involved, treating mental health and behavioural drivers together leads to stronger outcomes.

Can anger rehab help if I shut down instead of lashing out?

Yes. Anger comes in more than one form. While some clients act out, others withdraw or internalise their feelings of anger. These anger management issues often go unnoticed but can still affect mental and physical health. In group therapy and individual sessions, we help you understand your responses, explore your thought patterns, and find better ways to manage your anger — even if it’s silent.

What if I’ve tried anger management before and it didn’t work?

Many clients come to us after previous attempts that didn’t stick. That doesn’t mean failure — it means the treatment for anger wasn’t the right fit. Our rehab treatment programmes go deeper than anger management classes. We explore interpersonal trauma, stress, addiction, and underlying factors that have contributed to your anger responses. We also include options like art therapy and mindfulness for clients who need non-verbal tools.

Do you offer anger support for people with PTSD or trauma?

Absolutely. Anger and addiction often overlap with trauma responses. If you’ve experienced family violence, loss, or neglect, those events may have shaped how you express and process emotion. Our programs include targeted support for mental health conditions like PTSD, and we work with clients who’ve survived complex trauma, including those in our domestic violence trauma program.

Can I still work or study while attending this program?

It depends on the type of treatment and the severity of your anger management issues. Some clients need inpatient care with daily therapeutic structure, while others benefit from outpatient anger management treatment that allows time for study or part-time work. We'll help you develop a plan that balances your goals with the support you need.

If you’re managing a dual diagnosis or co-occurring anger and anxiety, you may benefit from our flexible dual diagnosis support stream.

Will anger rehab help with my relationship issues?

Yes. Anger and addiction often affect the way we relate to others — from emotional shutdown to explosive conflict. Our programs teach you how to manage your anger, communicate needs safely, and rebuild trust with those around you.

For some, relationship breakdowns are linked to underlying traits like impulsivity or low self-esteem. If your patterns reflect long-standing emotional struggles, our personality disorder treatment stream may be a helpful complement.

What if I get angry during the program itself?

That’s not just expected — it’s part of the work. We don’t expect clients to control their anger perfectly right away. Instead, we create a safe space where you can explore those reactions without judgement. Our team is trained to support you through emotional activation using a mix of CBT, grounding strategies, and group therapy support.If there are underlying causes — like bipolar disorder or domestic violence trauma — we can tailor your care.

What makes alcohol withdrawal dangerous without medical help?

Alcohol withdrawal can be unpredictable and, in some cases, life-threatening. Unlike many other substances, withdrawing from alcohol after heavy or prolonged use can cause seizures, high blood pressure, and a condition known as delirium tremens (a rapid-onset state of confusion that can be fatal without intervention).

At The Hader Clinic, our drug and alcohol withdrawal programs are managed in a safe and controlled environment with medical oversight. We monitor for complications, provide medications to manage symptoms, and support you emotionally throughout. Trying to detox without medical help can put both your health and life at risk. A properly supported start can be the difference between relapse and meaningful progress.

What’s the structure of a typical day in anger rehab?

A typical day in Hader’s anger management rehab includes a mix of clinical, expressive, and emotional regulation sessions. Mornings start with reflection, breathing, or walking. The day includes anger management therapy, art therapy, education on emotional triggers, and group therapy designed to promote healthy thoughts and feelings. Evenings focus on personal insight, rest, or 12-Step integration.

The routine is designed to reduce reactivity, increase insight, and help you build emotional resilience. Clients also learn strategies for relapse prevention, including relapse prevention techniques that support long-term change.