Other researchers have proposed a genetic link influencing a person’s anxiety level and alcohol consumption. These biological theories suggest that there could be a brain mechanism that is responsible for both anxiety symptoms and drinking behaviors. Similarly, people with severe anxiety disorders may be more likely to develop AUD, particularly if they use alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Symptoms and Types of Anxiety
Alcohol-induced anxiety is the uncomfortable feeling that can happen after drinking heavy amounts of alcohol. For those who have an alcohol use disorder, it’s a symptom of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. As relaxing as it might seem, that drink might be doing more harm than good. Many people have just one or two panic attacks in their lifetimes, and the problem goes away, perhaps when a stressful situation ends. But if you’ve had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack, you may have a condition called panic disorder.
Treatment options for anxiety
Sometimes, people turn to alcohol or other substances to help them cope with symptoms of mental illness. In some cases, people with certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety or panic disorder, might develop an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. People with generalized anxiety or panic disorder are more likely to develop unhealthy drinking behaviors around the same time that they start having symptoms of their anxiety-related mental health condition. While it might be tempting to turn to alcohol to manage feelings of anxiety, it can be a slippery slope that worsens anxiety problems and increases your risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
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- Another proposed theory refers to an expectancy component in people with anxiety who use alcohol.
- While it might be tempting to turn to alcohol to manage feelings of anxiety, it can be a slippery slope that worsens anxiety problems and increases your risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
- Even one drink can interrupt the natural cycles of sleep, causing a nervous or irritable feeling the next morning.
- Although panic attacks themselves aren’t life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life.
Alcohol is a natural disinhibitor — meaning it can cause you to make choices you may not make while sober. This is why some people can wake up feeling embarrassed about things they said or did. This can definitely cause anxiety and worsen any existing phobias or overthinking tendencies you may already have.
As well as being an unhealthy coping mechanism, cases of alcohol-induced panic attacks prove that alcohol can actually be the cause of anxiety and panic rather than the cure. Alcohol has an effect on brain chemistry – it can induce panic because of its effects on GABA, a chemical in the brain that normally has a relaxing effect. Small amounts of alcohol can stimulate GABA and cause feelings of relaxation, but does alcohol cause panic attacks heavy drinking can deplete GABA, causing increased tension and feelings of panic.14,15 Panic attacks can occur due to alcohol withdrawal. In addition, if you’re noticing your anxiety levels increasing after drinking, try cutting down on how much you drink. Plus, take note of how your mood is each day — if you’re feeling extra on edge already, try and go against the temptation of remedying that with alcohol.
- As alcohol is a sedative and depressant, it can relieve feelings of fear and anxiety in the moment.
- However, it can be easy for one drink to turn into more and lead to a growing dependence on alcohol.
- “There are any number of other things that are equally contributing to the problem,” Luks says.
Can Alcohol Cause Anxiety or Make it Worse?
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