I did the same, because at least I felt something then. I had a friend who was a cutter. When she wanted to feel alive, she cut. When I wanted to, I picked a fight, or found someone I couldn't stand so I could feel the energy of the anger & hatred flowing through me.
I hadn't yet learned that there are other extreme emotions that are maybe healthier to seek out when I need an emotional kick. Eventually though, I did -- and found the things on the other side of the aisle (extreme joy or "flow", extreme affection, extreme excitement over doing something I was crazy about) and I didn't need talk radio any more
Nowadays it makes me really ill. I picture these huge blowhards (on all spots in the political spectrum) who just adore the sound of their own voice -- Blah Blah Blah! I'm right and you're wrong! You're screwing everything up! Why don't you listen to me!! LOL Completely different from where I used to be.
Is there any way you can get your emotional adrenaline kick from something that's not so...pointless? Not that standing up for your beliefs is pointless, but arguing about it with people who are NEVER going to be swayed to your views seems (now, to me) a waste of minutes.
I also recognized in me a need to be validated by competing and winning. Your screen name being that of an avid sports fan, you may have an element of this too. Balancing this in my life helped...though admittedly, it may be easier for a woman than for a man.
