For example, if a grizzly bear came after you, your body would react instinctively. Your heart rate and breathing would speed up as your body prepared for a life-threatening situation. But it’s unknown why a panic attack occurs when there’s no obvious danger present. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. When panic attacks occur, you might think you’re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.
Can Drinking Alcohol Cause Anxiety? Understanding Alcohol and Anxiety Attacks
Your body, however, is always looking to establish equilibrium, or balance. A heavy influx of alcohol can lead to your body blocking its own GABA receptors in an attempt to re-establish this equilibrium. With fewer GABA receptors available, your body can naturally absorb less GABA, which inhibits your ability to naturally calm down and can lead to panic attacks.
Sleep disturbances
Talkspace can give you access to expert help in a convenient, safe, and accessible setting. The first step toward getting help can be transformative — it can set the stage for your path to a healthier, anxiety-free life. The effects on the central nervous system can slow down the brain, alcohol and panic attacks temporarily reducing anxiety.
- Society would have us believe that there’s no better way to unwind after a long day than by drinking a glass of wine, cold beer, or sipping your go-to liquor.
- These effects can make it seem like drinking alcohol is providing the person with relief from their anxiety.
- Some may experience an onset of anxiety attacks shortly after consuming alcohol, while others may notice a sudden escalation of existing anxiety symptoms.
- Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include restlessness, irritability, and anxiety — all of which are just the body trying to adjust to no longer having alcohol’s sedative effect in its system.
- If you rely on alcohol to mask anxiety, you may find you become reliant on it to relax – putting you at risk of alcohol dependence.
Health topics
There are several reasons for this, which will be discussed below; but the key thing to remember is that those with panic attacks suffer from an issue known as hypersensitivity. While alcohol can make your panic attacks worse, alcohol itself doesn’t cause panic attacks on its own. In other words, even if you https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/women-and-alcoholism-how-to-recognize-an-addiction/ stop drinking alcohol, you are likely still going to have panic attacks – you simply won’t have alcohol triggering them.
- But if you have feelings of anxiety that are constant, overwhelming, or affect your daily life, there are things you can do, and support that is available to help you manage.
- Cynthia has over 15 years of experience in the mental health profession.
- People can speak with a healthcare professional for help managing anxiety or mood disorder symptoms.
- At first, drinking can reduce fears and take your mind off of your troubles.
- However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations.
If a person drinks regularly, the natural GABA and serotonin levels can get destabilised, making withdrawal symptoms and anxiety attacks worse. Some medications can be an effective option for treating anxiety from drinking or anxiety that causes you to drink. Always use anxiety medication exactly as prescribed and under the supervision of your healthcare provider — especially if you’re dealing with alcohol abuse. Professional mental health treatment through counseling or therapy for anxiety can provide personalized, dedicated attention and strategies to help you manage anxiety.
