I am trying to take control of my life. I have suppressed a lot of
hurt and anger by smoking and drinking because I couldn't deal with
it. As I stop using these drugs to cope, I get flashes of anger so
intense and debilitating they make it hard to live a normal life.

This anger comes from painful memories of people who mistreated me. I
am also angry that my life is now interrupted by these unwanted
memories. Sometimes I feel like swearing or kicking at my abusers,
sometimes I wish they were dead. I haven't attacked them, I know
that's illegal, and anyway some of them are removed from my life now.
But I feel helpless before these people, frustrated with rage.

Much of the advice I read about coping with anger involves doing
private things, like punching pillows, breathing deeply, writing,
meditating or drawing. These activities do help, but there is also
social aspect to my pain that they don't address. I believe I would be
happier if I could somehow confront my abusers and make them face up
to what they have done. I am angry at the injustice of them abandoning
me to my pain. I still see some of these people around the city where
I live, some of them even laugh at me when they see me.

How can I best deal with the social aspect of my trauma? I just want
the pain to be over so I can live a peaceful life.

One thing is to realize that NOW you own your life - all that happened
is in the past.  Resolve never to let that happen again.  Stand up to
those who attempt to intimidate you or control you by saying "I don't
do that anymore"  and then turn around and walk away.  Don't engage
any of the negative people you know in conversations.  Know that you
are better off without them.

Get some books on anger.  Seek professional counseling.
Good luck.

Your best option would be to find a certified counselor in your area.
Look for counselors who are genuinely interested in helping you. Don't
feel as if you have to settle on the first one you find.

Look for licensed counselors. They will have that clearly displayed in
things like a yellow pages ad. Many employers offer counseling
assistance to their workforce, and most insurance companies offer a
limited number of sessions. However, if you are willing to invest only
6-8 weeks of work, you can make huge strides -- IF you are willing to
work at it. And based on what you have written, I think you have a lot
of strength and motivation to improve yourself. Many people talk about
wanting to improve, but you have made a good effort to actually do
something about it.

In the meantime, consider this:
Start to examine the triggers for your smoking and drinking.
What makes you angry? When do you become angry? Next time you are
angry, look around and find commonalities.

It might be that when you get home from work, you are angry when you
realize you have to walk into an empty house or apartment. Is there
something you can do to change the situation?

When are you happy? What makes you happy? Find things that you enjoy.
Next time you are happy and at peace, even if it is just a moment
long, take stock of that. Write down being happy. Actually write it.
Say, I was happy and at peace at this time on this date. Even people
who are troubled still find the random moment of joy. Don't discount
this. Find what made you happy and try to do it more often.
Anyway, that's my advice.

Forgive your abusers and move on - no, that's not some religious
zealot talking - that's how you deal with this crisis.  If you
continue in your anger and your hatred of the people that abused you
well then they are STILL in control of you but this time you are
enabling them.  Forgiving them means that you are letting go - you no
longer wish to carry this burden.  Forgiving them does not mean that
you want to go on vacation with them - it simply means that you will
no longer allow them to be in control of you.
Now you can go to a good counselor, psychologist, etc. and they will
be a big help but you can also do it on your own simply by saying to
yourself - they are NOT in control of my thoughts and feelings - I am
in control - I forgive them their sins and I am moving on with my
life.
You deserve a life of love and laughter and joy.  Don't let anger rob
you of that.  The only person you can control is YOU.  Do it!

My question is about to expire. Perhaps there is no definite answer
but I certainly appreciate reaching out to me; I felt like crying when
I got the first reply.

I have been mostly substance free since I wrote my question. I still
spend time meditating for calm but now I also pray for forgiveness and
remember I am not where I was anymore. Thank you for your suggestions,
they have all helped. I've made an appointment to see a counsellor and
hope I keep moving on as I have been.

Thank you and God bless you all.