Anger and substance abuse: a systematic review and meta-analysis

• Published in: Revista brasileira de psiquiatria 2022-02, Vol.44 (1), p.103-110
• Main Authors: Laitano, Helen V., Ely, Amanda, Sordi, Anne O., Schuch, Felipe B., Pechansky, Flavio, Hartmann, Thiago, Hilgert, Juliana B., Wendland, Eliana M., Von Dimen, Lisia, Scherer, Juliana N., Calixto, Alessandra Mendes, Narvaez, Joana C.M., Ornell, Felipe, Kessler, Félix H.P.
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: PSYCHIATRY
• ISSN: 1809-452X
• DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-1133

Objective: Conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate levels of anger among substance users compared to non-user controls and to analyze the possible association between anger and psychoactive substance use (PSU). Methods: The procedures of this review followed the Meta-Analyzes of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIREME, PsycINFO) were searched. Results: Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis; 10 used the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) anger trait subscale and two used the Buss-Perry-Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) anger subscale. The sample included 2,294 users of psychoactive substances and 2,143 non-users, all male. The mean difference in anger scale scores between users and non-users was 2.151 (95%CI 1.166-3.134, p ≤ 0.00, inconsistency index [I2] = 98.83) standard deviations. Age and abstinence duration did not moderate the difference in anger between substance users and non-users. Conclusion: Users of psychoactive substances had elevated anger scores compared to non-users, which represents a high risk of relapse. It is suggested that PSU treatment programs include intensive anger management modules, focusing on factors such as dealing with daily stressors, family conflicts, frustrations, and problems.