MoodRx Clinical Staff - Nov 01, 2024
How alcohol consumption can exacerbate anxiety symptoms
*Note to the reader: MoodRx is now accepting Aetna, Optum, and Medicare insurance plans for Pennsylvania residents ONLY.*
Anxiety can affect many aspects of your life, including your career and your relationship with your family. You may notice symptoms ranging from chronic worrying to social avoidance. People often look for ways to manage their symptoms on their own. While some self-initiated coping strategies can be useful, such as practicing mindfulness, others can be harmful. One of the most common harmful coping mechanisms is excessive use of substances like alcohol. In moderation, alcohol is not necessarily detrimental to a person’s mental health. Heavy drinking, however, can lead to worsening symptoms. Alcohol can exacerbate anxiety symptoms in many different ways. Learning more about this connection can help you understand the importance of using healthy, sustainable coping tools and treatments.
5 ways alcohol can exacerbate your anxiety
- Sleep disruption — Sleeping challenges are a signature symptom of anxiety. If you have anxiety, you may have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep each night. This difficulty is often associated with persistent negative thoughts and worries. Fixating on your fears can keep you up at night, making it hard to get the rest you need. As a depressant, alcohol tends to cause drowsiness. This effect may seem like a good way to manage anxiety-induced insomnia. However, the effects of alcohol are often counterproductive. Though alcohol may make falling asleep easier, it can disrupt your natural sleep cycle. The natural phases of sleep are essential for mental restoration. By disrupting your sleep, alcohol can have a major negative impact on your sleep quality. After a night of heavy drinking, you may wake the next day feeling like you still haven’t gotten any rest. You may feel fatigued, irritable and even nauseous. These feelings may contribute to your stress and anxiety. To maintain good emotional regulation, getting sufficient rest is vital. Rather than drinking alcohol, other strategies may be more effective for improving your ability to fall asleep. You can try drinking a calming, noncaffeinated tea in the evenings, for example. A therapist can help you find solutions that match your situation and personal mental health needs.
- Increased blood pressure — Alcohol affects the cardiovascular system. It can increase your heart rate and your blood pressure, especially when you consume large amounts. These effects can exacerbate the physical effects of your anxiety. A high heart rate, for example, can contribute to feelings of panic. If you experience panic attacks, avoiding alcohol can be key to preventing episodes. In addition to affecting your heart rate and blood pressure, drinking can come with several other physical symptoms. Symptoms like shakiness, sweating and vertigo can further contribute to feelings of anxiety.
- Hangover anxiety — Hangovers are a common experience following heavy drinking. According to one study, approximately 80% of people are sensitive to hangovers after drinking. The same study found that hangover-sensitive drinkers showed significantly higher levels of anxiety and stress than hangover-resistant drinkers. Among other symptoms that can set in after excessive drinking, anxiety can be one of the most significant. This experience is sometimes called “hangxiety.” If you already experience anxiety, this can be an especially overwhelming experience. Therapy can play a crucial role in helping you manage your symptoms by changing negative emotional and behavioral patterns.
- Increased negative thinking — Alcohol tends to impair a person’s ability to regulate their emotions. This can lead to persistent negative thinking, as you may have a hard time processing negative emotions and moving on. You may find yourself dwelling on concerns or overthinking situations. This cycle of negative thoughts is also referred to as rumination.
- Reduced coping abilities — Healthy, effective coping skills are an integral part of managing anxiety. Unhealthy coping mechanisms, however, can lead to dependency and worsening symptoms. Excessive alcohol use is one example. When you use drinking as a coping mechanism, you may start to have a harder time coping in other ways. This can cause you to rely on alcohol. You may start to feel like drinking is the only way to keep your stress and emotions under control. When you stop drinking, your anxiety may temporarily become more intense due to withdrawal. If you’re struggling to find healthier coping mechanisms, seeking therapy can be a great step in the right direction. Your therapist can work with you to build better habits and develop coping skills that promote mental wellness.
MoodRx can help you manage your anxiety
When it comes to managing alcohol use and anxiety, professional treatment can be key to success. At MoodRx, our expert therapists are ready to help you find effective mental health solutions. With our virtual therapy services, you can get the mental health support you need wherever you’re located.
Contact our team today for more information about how we treat anxiety or to sign up for free.
