The workbook explores anger as a secondary emotion—one that typically masks more vulnerable feelings underneath. Like an iceberg, what others observe (irritability, outbursts, hostility) represents only the "tip," while beneath the surface lie deeper layers of hurt, fear, shame, unmet needs, and unresolved grief. These hidden emotions often drive anger responses, making traditional anger management approaches insufficient without addressing the underlying causes.

The workbook's ultimate goal is transformation—not the elimination of anger, which would be unrealistic and unhealthy, but the development of emotional awareness, regulation skills, and authentic expression capabilities. Through this work, anger can evolve from a threat to recovery into valuable emotional information that supports personal growth, authentic relationships, and long-term sobriety.

This approach recognizes that sustainable anger management in recovery requires more than surface-level techniques—it demands deep understanding of individual patterns, professional support when needed, and the courage to face vulnerable emotions that anger may have been protecting against for years.