7 Hidden Signs of Trauma-Driven Anger and How It’s Linked to Addiction

7 Hidden Signs of Trauma-Driven Anger and How It’s Linked to Addiction 

By Dr. Jamie Huysman Founder and Executive Director of STAR Network 

You might be surprised by how many people around you struggle with suppressed anger. It’s not always loud or explosive—sometimes, it’s buried deep beneath trauma, masked by addictions, or disguised as control and judgment. 

At first, I thought I could easily spot anger in others, but I recently realized that unresolved anger can be subtle, insidious, and deeply connected to past wounds. Often, it stems from unprocessed trauma and manifests in ways that harm both the person experiencing it and those around them. 

Anger, trauma, and addiction are intricately linked. Many people who battle addiction do so as a way to numb the pain of past trauma, and suppressed anger often fuels the cycle. If you’ve ever dealt with someone whose emotions seemed volatile, unpredictable, or destructive, they may be struggling with much more than just anger. 

Here are seven hidden signs of trauma-driven anger, how it connects to addiction, and what you can do to help. 

1. They Can Be Judgmental

People harboring deep anger often project their unresolved emotions onto others. Judgment becomes their way of regaining a sense of control in a world that once felt unsafe. 

This judgment is rarely about you—it’s about their own insecurities, fears, and inner wounds. They attack others for what they secretly despise in themselves, which is why their criticism often feels unwarranted or exaggerated. 

2. They Can Project Their Pain Onto Others

Projection is a defense mechanism that helps people avoid confronting their own unresolved trauma. An angry person struggling with addiction, for example, may accuse others of being selfish, manipulative, or emotionally unstable—when in reality, they are battling these very issues themselves. 

Projection allows them to externalize their pain instead of facing it head-on, creating conflict in relationships and deepening their isolation. 

3. They May Battle Depression and Anxiety

Sigmund Freud once said, “Depression is anger turned inward.” Many individuals who struggle with addiction and mental health issues are unknowingly suppressing a lifetime of unresolved anger and trauma. 

Instead of expressing their rage in healthy ways, they numb it with substances, overwork, or other compulsive behaviors. This can lead to cycles of addiction, where they desperately try to escape the pain of their own emotions. 

4. They Struggle with Emotional Immaturity 

Anger is often a sign of emotional dysregulation, which stems from childhood trauma. When a person is not taught how to process emotions in a healthy way, they remain stuck in a reactive state. 

Instead of resolving conflicts with communication and self-awareness, they lash out, hold grudges, or manipulate situations to avoid responsibility. This is particularly common in individuals with unresolved childhood neglect or abuse. 

5. They Are Constantly Dissatisfied

People carrying unresolved trauma struggle to find joy, often seeing life as a series of unfair challenges. No matter what they achieve or who they surround themselves with, they find reasons to complain, criticize, or feel slighted. 

Their anger isn’t about the present—it’s about old wounds that never healed. This dissatisfaction often pushes them toward unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse, gambling, or toxic relationships. 

6. They Have a Deep Need for Control

Trauma survivors often develop control issues as a way to create a sense of safety. When someone feels powerless due to past abuse, betrayal, or neglect, they may try to control people and situations to prevent further harm. 

When things don’t go their way, their suppressed anger surfaces—leading to explosive outbursts or passive-aggressive behavior. This is especially common in individuals with a history of abusive relationships, where control became a means of survival. 

7. They Always Play the Blame Game

A person who cannot process their own pain will often blame others for their unhappiness. Rather than taking accountability for their emotions, they point fingers, creating endless conflict. 

This behavior is especially dangerous in addiction recovery, where avoiding responsibility keeps people trapped in self-destructive cycles. Many who struggle with addiction use blame to justify their actions, keeping themselves locked in patterns of self-sabotage. 

Why Are They Really Angry? The Trauma Connection. 

Unresolved trauma is one of the biggest drivers of chronic anger and addiction. Many people develop anger issues because they were never allowed to express emotions safely as children. They may have been raised in abusive households, faced neglect, or witnessed violence—experiences that taught them to suppress their emotions or channel them destructively. 

When trauma remains unprocessed, it manifests in different ways: addiction, rage, depression, or even physical illness. Without proper healing, these emotions continue to fester, impacting relationships, self-worth, and overall well-being. 

How to Help Someone with Trauma-Driven Anger? 

Sometimes, the people who push others away with their anger need the most support. Rather than reacting with frustration, try approaching them with compassion and understanding. 

Encourage them to seek trauma-informed support. STAR Network’s trauma-informed program like TAR Anon™ provides a safe space for individuals recovering from toxic relationships and emotional wounds. By addressing the root causes of their pain, they can learn to regulate their emotions, break the cycle of addiction, and rebuild healthier connections. 

Healing from trauma and anger isn’t easy, but it’s possible. The first step is recognizing that anger is often just a symptom of deeper wounds—and from there, true recovery can begin. 

Together, we can transform lives and strengthen the TAR Anon Fellowship. Thank you for considering this meaningful opportunity.