Indiana Center for Recovery offers specialized alcohol treatment integrated with evidence-based mental health care for lasting relief. Excessive drinking can reduce GABA levels, increasing the risk of developing panic attacks. Suppose you are feeling anxious or experiencing panic attacks after consuming alcohol. In that case, it may be best to speak with a healthcare professional to gain more insight into your situation and determine the best course of action.

Practical Implementation: Your 7-Day Hangxiety Management Plan
This rebound effect can leave you feeling more anxious, restless, and emotionally off-balance than before. When anxiety gets intense, it’s natural to want relief fast—and for many, that means reaching for a drink. At first, it might feel like alcohol helps you calm down, quiet https://ecosoberhouse.com/ your thoughts, or make things feel more manageable. Before long, you might notice your anxiety creeping back even worse than before. If you’re struggling with anxiety and alcohol addiction, a treatment center can help you uncover the cause of both conditions and make a plan to address them. Search co-occurring disorder treatment centers and reach out to their admissions teams directly to find the right program for you.
The Link Between Alcohol and Anxiety—and How to Cope
- Risk factors for developing AUD include genetics, environment, and mental health conditions.
- This form of talk therapy focuses on how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected.
- Your partner, parents, children, friends, employer, coworkers, doctor, or therapist might confront you about your drinking habits or your behavior when you drink.
You don’t have to wait Substance abuse for things to get worse before you ask for help. It makes sense that you’ve reached for alcohol to calm your nerves. Lasting relief starts with treatment that supports both your mental health and your recovery. This typically includes therapy (CBT, DBT), medications if needed, detox support, and long-term recovery planning—all in a coordinated program that helps you heal fully.
Safe Drinking Practices for People With Anxiety Disorders
- This dehydration doesn’t just leave you thirsty; it disrupts your body’s electrolyte balance, triggering a cascade of physiological responses.
- One of the biggest misconceptions about alcohol is that it serves as a reliable remedy for anxiety.
- Successful treatment addresses anxiety and alcohol addiction at the same time.
For example, chronic heavy drinking can lead to worsening depression and an increased risk of suicide. You can look out for signs indicating that alcohol consumption may be affecting your anxiety. One of the most commonly used and also misused substances in the U.S. is alcohol. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), an alcohol use disorder is considered a clinical term for alcohol addiction or alcoholism.
Over time, your tolerance to alcohol increases, which means you need more and more of it to alcohol anxiety get the experience of ease and relief. Many people with anxiety are also prone to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Doctors often attribute anxiety after drinking to withdrawal from alcohol.
Lifestyle Factors Influencing Alcohol Anxiety

Please seek help if you’re finding you’re experiencing this or if alcohol blackouts are becoming more frequent. Our alcohol detox program provides round-the-clock clinical supervision to safely manage withdrawal symptoms while addressing the heightened anxiety that often accompanies cessation. This can be a friend, family member, therapist, or support system. It can be helpful to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through.Another way to calm down is to take some time for yourself. This could mean taking a walk outdoors, reading your favorite book, or spending time with your pets.