Handling Anger

This pamphlet is for parents who are in or have recently completed treatment. Early recovery is difficult. In addition to managing your recovery, you have to be a parent. Handling anger well—your own and that of your children—will help you rebuild good relationships with your kids.

You might feel you have no control over your anger. Little things might set you off. You might get angry without realizing it. It's important to remember that you're handling many emotions and new challenges in early recovery.

Handling your anger and the anger of your child is a learned skill. In this pamphlet, you'll learn how to check your emotional temperature and keep yourself cool. You'll learn a way to handle angry situations using tools described by the acronym CALM. Add a few basics of clear communication and some attention to your own needs, and you'll be able to prevent most angry exchanges from happening.