ANGRY STATE OF MIND- how can it be that I perform so much better when angry?

[Tim Gilkes]

When I was 17, 18, 19 I used a lot of cannabis, not too regularly but when I did in extreme quantities. By the end of it found myself being in a fairly constant day-dreamy state of mind where the commonly known "having a tune stuck in your head" phenomenon I had so extremely it acted as a continuous detraction from daily tasks, sometimes making the most simple of activities seem like an obstacle course, even when I had not smoked for a few days.

During the ages 20, 21 and 22 I continued my use of cannabis but also with plenty of ecstasy, LSD and magic mushrooms, also not very frequently but when I did, in copious amounts. By this point I was having serious difficulty connecting with reality in a meaningful way and would often invent truly ridiculous beliefs and, without realising it, believing them to be true.

For my ages of 23 and 24 I have been teetotal and observed my general mental health become gradually more stable and normal but even now the daydreamy-tunestuckinhead-creatingbizzarebeleifs states of mind linger (sometimes very frustratingly!) on throughout daily life.

Now for the interesting part. When I am angry, as in someone has REALLY offended me or I am trying desperately to prove someone wrong, I find I snap out of this state of mind and my cognitive capabilities suddenly improve greatly. I have a sudden sense of clarity and find I can focus and perform tasks that I do every day two or even three times faster than I usually and with less effort.

* What are psychological explanations for this? What is going on inside my brain when I get angry?
* How is it possible that this angry state of mind can seemingly overrides the negative long term effects of mind-bending substance usage?
* Does anyone know of a technique that could perhaps help me into a similar state of mind that has the positive attributes of when I am angry but without all the bitter emotions and stress?

Cheers my dears, I look forward muchly to reading your replies!

Tim

[SWM]

most likely adrenalin causes the narrowing focus of attention, concentration and heightened awareness. a  certain amount of adrenalin will also improve motor skills.

[ErikAndersen]

I have heard it theorized that marijuana use affects the adrenal system. Anyone else have any insight into this?