East Care Blog

Why Alcohol Can Give You Anxiety

By: East Care April 1, 2022

For individuals does alcohol cause panic attacks with alcohol use disorder (AUD), the process of detoxing from alcohol can trigger a range of withdrawal symptoms, including panic attacks. Research has shown that those who attempt to withdraw from alcohol often meet the diagnostic criteria for panic attacks, panic disorder, and even agoraphobia. A panic attack is a sudden, overwhelming surge of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions even when no real danger is present. These episodes can be extremely frightening, leading individuals to feel as though they are losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying. Alcohol is often perceived as a substance that can induce relaxation and reduce anxiety.

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Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening, particularly for individuals with a history of long-term alcohol use. During alcohol withdrawal, panic attacks could occur when you no longer having alcohol in your system or due to an underlying mental health condition. Many people have anxiety throughout alcohol withdrawal—and untreated anxiety can eventually lead to panic attacks. If you or a loved one struggle with alcohol addiction, professional detox programs can reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms.

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If you are with friends, let them know that you are feeling anxious and ask them for support. At this type of clinic you will undergo detox (if needed) and engage with a therapist who will listen to you and help you develop the skills you need to stay sober. An intensive treatment programme will also include educational presentations delivered by therapists, access to a fitness programme, and complementary therapies such as equine https://ecosoberhouse.com/ therapy. A continuing-care plan is essential to mitigate the risk of relapse. A skilled therapist will assess your anxiety levels and panic attacks and be able to create a treatment plan that addresses these issues. Because the alcohol and anxiety cycle feeds on itself, and over time causes a person to drink more, eventually it may lead to addiction.

• Alcohol also increases dopamine release, creating pleasurable feelings that reinforce drinking behavior.
• Assess how much you regularly drink and keep track of this amount.
• In either case, learning how to manage your panic attacks can help you continue along your path toward recovery while improving your mental health.
• Use the app that helps 96.7% of members successfully drink less with no pressure to quit drinking.

Healthy Coping Mechanisms for Stress & Anxiety

When you experience alcohol-induced panic attacks, this cycle can become even more frightening and potentially result in a long-term panic disorder. Drinking alcohol causes a number of immediate effects in your body – your heart rate may increase, your blood sugar drops and you may eventually become dehydrated. If you are sensitive to the effects of alcohol, these uncomfortable sensations can trigger a panic attack. Some people struggle with a disorder known as alcohol-induced panic attacks, in which they suffer from regular panic attacks after drinking alcohol. If you struggle with panic attacks and feelings of anxiety, it is important to understand how alcohol can affect your mental health and potentially make these symptoms worse.

The brain has chemicals that naturally release when we need to calm down, reduce pain, and feel good. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s ability to release these chemicals. Often when drinkers experience panic attacks, they drink more to combat the fear. Furthermore, it is important to note that the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and intoxication can overlap, making it challenging to distinguish between the two conditions. Symptoms such as slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty walking may be indicative of either hypoglycaemia or intoxication. Hypoglycaemia can also occur several hours after drinking, especially if the individual has been exercising.

These effects may manifest through physical sensations and changes in behavior. Additionally, relying on alcohol to manage anxiety can prevent individuals from developing healthier coping strategies. This dependence may mask underlying issues and delay proper treatment. Alcohol consumption significantly affects mental health through various psychological and biochemical mechanisms.

Sleep deprivation is harmful to both physical health and mental health. “Lack of sleep can heighten anxiety levels and increase the likelihood of panic attacks,” Oeswein says. She adds that alcohol can cause sleep disturbances, which is another reason it may contribute to anxiety symptoms. Have you ever experienced shortness of breath, a racing heart, trembling, and an overall sense of impending doom after drinking? Panic attacks are intense episodes of super-high anxiety and intense fear. While panic attacks typically occur out of nowhere for no reason, alcohol intake can directly or indirectly trigger them for some people.

While small amounts of alcohol may activate GABA and cause you to relax, heavier drinking can sap GABA. While dopamine increases immediately after drinking alcohol and temporarily makes you feel good, when the inebriation has faded, whatever symptoms that were being avoided rebound. Quitting drinking is always a difficult task, even if you were more of a casual drinker than an alcoholic. what is alcoholism This can even affect those that never intentionally used alcohol to cope with stress.

How Can I Avoid a Panic Attack After Drinking Alcohol?

Dr. Lin received his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. He went on to complete his residency in psychiatry at Harvard South Shore, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, where he served as Chief Resident and earned his 360° Professionalism award. He then had additional training in Addiction Psychiatry through his fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre.