Many people unwittingly turn to a drink to ‘calm their nerves’. But what starts as a quick fix, often leads to a deeper issue. Anxiety and alcohol are often intertwined. Research shows that alcohol not only fails to alleviate anxiety in the long term but makes it a deeper, darker problem.
Learn about the causal link between these two and empower yourself to manage your anxiety successfully.
How Alcohol Affects Anxiety
Did you know that alcohol acts as a depressant, directly affecting the central nervous system? Initially, it does offer relief as an anti-anxiety quick-fix, which is why so many people with anxiety disorders consider or use alcohol as a coping mechanism.
The danger comes when the effects of alcohol wear off. During this phase, the door is opened for an amplified anxiety rebound, leaving you feeling even more anxious than before. This rebound effect happens because alcohol disrupts the brain’s natural balance of neurotransmitters, which are the foundational blocks of mood regulation and anxiety levels.
The Vicious Cycle of Anxiety and Alcohol
Once this pattern starts, it can become a dark, virtuous cycle. Drinking to alleviate anxiety leads to a temporary sense of relief, but as the effects fade, anxiety floods back. This increase in anxiety can then lead to drinking more to combat the increase – and so the damaging cycle begins.
Over time, this coping strategy becomes ineffective and the negative effects of alcohol, such as impaired cognitive function and poor emotional regulation, start impacting heavily on your quality of life.
Alcohol-Induced Anxiety and Panic Attacks
For some, alcohol doesn’t just worsen existing anxiety; it also triggers acute anxiety or panic attacks.
The body’s reaction to alcohol withdrawal, particularly after heavy consumption, often leads to heightened anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and restlessness. In severe cases, it can also cause physical symptoms like heart palpitations and shortness of breath, mimicking the signs of a panic attack.
These responses are common in those who are already sensitive to anxiety disorders.
Long-Term Effects on Mental Health
Continuous or heavy alcohol consumption can have serious effects on mental health. It may lead to the development of alcohol dependence or addiction, which handicaps your ability to manage anxiety effectively.
Studies have also linked excessive drinking with an increased risk of depression, another condition that often coexists with anxiety. To add to this collection of negative effects, alcohol also dulls the brain’s ability to cope with stress naturally, making it even harder to break the cycle of anxiety and alcohol use.
Breaking the Cycle
Breaking the toxic relationship of anxiety and alcohol can feel challenging, but it is possible with the right support.
Professional treatment, such as that offered by The Cedars, focuses on building healthier coping mechanisms. This gives you positive tools, support, and encouragement to address both anxiety and alcohol dependence.
Take control of anxiety – break free from alcohol with help today.