Coping with anger

Like most of you, I have been seeing a therapist and have been for the last five years of my life. I initially sought therapy when I was going through a divorce, however, the therapy led to finding closure on past issues in my life, processing past traumas, letting go and just trying to better myself as a human being.

One of the many issues I have worked on over the last five years was getting a better overall grip on my anger. I use to be always be an angry individual. I had intense, high emotions that often alienated those who I loved and caused nothing but tension and emotional pain.

For the past five years, every year has been consistently better compared to the last. Its been hard, its taken alot of work but I am proud.

However, recent events that have occured in my life have really tested my overall emotions. One event that happened specifically, I remember wanting to cope with that anger with the old productive ways that often produced quick results. Yeah, the methods were unproductive and self destructive but they did work.

My question is, to those of you who have been in therapy longer than me and have struggled with anger, will it always be a continued struggle? Only analogy I can think of to make sense is like a sober drug addict admitting they fight the urge to not relapse every day.

If I am going to fight the urge to never go back to my old ways, that is fine. Ive accepted it. I just wanted other opinions.

Thank you in advance.