Idontknow,
I understand what you are saying more than you know. It isn't surprising if she comes from a backround of drug abuse and addiction that she wasn't given what she needed to get thru life. She may react out in anger because that is the only way she knows. It's amazing how much of what we grow up with stays with us and can be engrained into our very being.

I believe that no matter our childhoods or how we are now, we have the ability to make a change and become a better person. We can't always forget everything that happens to us and we can't always break every cycle but we can try. We can gain some control over those instant responses and learn ways to deal with things better.

I have done alot of work on my childhood issues myself but I also have been to counseling. It was the combination of getting and accepting the help along with my own desire to change and putting hard work into it.

If you see good, wonderful things in her I understand why you want to be with her. She has problems and she can work thru them. The only real problem would then be her willingness to get help and make it work. If she realizes that something is wrong and is willing to work on it then you could be a wonderful support for her and together as she grows your relationship can grow.

However, and it's a big however, if she isn't willing to get that help then things will never change and ...well you know what it is like already.

If she wants to get closer to God again than that is a good thing. Faith can give people a foundation and peace. IT also gives them something to be accountable to. You are right though. When people have serious problems than a good doctor can be a great help. Again the combination of God and a Doctor can make a big difference for someone.

I am going thru a simular situation that is not because of the anger but because I know that things with my husband will not get better until he is willing to seek guidance on how to do things differently. He isn't using anger like your GF but there was a time. We have worked thru alot of that but some of the resentment still lingers.

If you love her and want to be with her than I suggest that you talk to her and see if she wouldn't go to counseling. If not, then you may just have to move on. It will only hurt you in the end and tear you apart. She has to be willing to put your relationship and you, your feelings, needs, wants, etc, as a priority in the relationship. She obviously needs help doing that.

Ahh...long post....
Wish you the best,
Heidu

The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.
John Ruskin