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. It throws off the balance of the hormones and brain chemicals that control our moods and emotions. Over time, alcohol decreases production of the neuro-transmitter GABA (a chemical in our brain that helps us feel relaxed). People drink for many reasons, and stress and anxiety are common. It is true that alcohol can help with anxiety, at least temporarily, but it can also make it worse in the long run and cause serious panic attacks.
Alcohol, Anxiety, and Panic Disorders
It’s not necessarily the type of alcohol you drink that can affect your levels of anxiety, but rather anxiety is related to the amount and frequency of alcohol use. Although there is no evident source for anxiety, these symptoms are interpreted by the brain as stress and worry due to biofeedback. Thus, small things may easily upset them, and certain words or actions may be misunderstood. Something that would normally be ignored will now trigger paranoia and panic. Up to one alcohol and anxiety third of people will experience at least one panic attack in their lives, according to clinical psychiatrist Cindy Aaronson. They usually start when people are in their twenties but can also happen to teenagers.
Why You Get Angry At Your Partner When You Drink
As the body adjusts to functioning without alcohol, the nervous system becomes overactive. It initially creates feelings of relaxation and reduced inhibitions. Over time, regular drinking can lead to mood swings, depression, and anxiety. Alcohol impairs judgment and decision-making abilities, potentially increasing risky behaviors. When people have anxiety, drinking alcohol might seem like an effective way to cope.
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Experiencing alcohol-induced panic attacks is a serious sign that it’s time to rethink your relationship with Alcoholics Anonymous alcohol. The Mayo Clinic defines panic attacks as a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. In fact, it’s estimated that 20% of people who seek treatment for panic disorders also struggle with alcohol abuse.
“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. While it may offer short-term relief, it can lead to long-term problems.
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Anxiety after drinking can result from alcohol’s impact on brain chemistry, dehydration, withdrawal symptoms, disrupted sleep, and pre-existing anxiety disorders. If this is a recurring issue, consider moderating alcohol intake and seeking professional support. Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear and anxiety that trigger not only cognitive and emotional symptoms but also physical reactions.
- Talking therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), can help you learn to spot unhelpful patterns of behaviour and help you to develop coping strategies.
- Your situation may seem hopeless at first when suffering from an alcohol-induced panic attack.
- While panic attacks typically occur out of nowhere for no reason, alcohol intake can directly or indirectly trigger them for some people.
- Although it may be tempting to ignore your symptoms, or to self-diagnose, the only way to access the resources you need to recover is by getting a clinical diagnosis.
Self-medicating your panic attacks in this way can leave you psychologically dependent on alcohol, as you come to rely on it to keep your anxious thoughts and feelings at bay. You may have already found that you’re having to drink larger quantities to get rid of your anxiety, or are now drinking to stave off withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Austin Lin is a double board-certified adult and addiction psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 9 years. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive therapy, motivational interviewing, and/or cognitive behavioral therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits.
While small amounts of alcohol may initially reduce anxiety, heavy drinking can deplete GABA, leading to increased tension and panic. Drinking alcohol can exacerbate your anxiety symptoms and make you more susceptible to panic attacks. Alcohol-related panic attacks occur most frequently in people who have co-occurring mental health disorders or a history of chronic alcohol abuse. Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by sudden, unexpected episodes of intense fear or discomfort, often without an obvious trigger. These episodes, called panic attacks, can cause overwhelming physical and emotional symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a sense of impending doom. Sleep deprivation is harmful to both physical health and mental health.
Alcohol works as “liquid courage” to face the situation without feeling fearful, overwhelmed or inadequate. However, this situation may cause “hangxiety,” which is anxious or tense feelings during or after a hangover, often due to the effects of alcohol withdrawal. If you have a co-occurring mental health condition, you are more likely to experience frequent and intense panic attacks. Alcohol dependence is prevalent among people with a variety of anxiety disorders, especially women with social anxiety disorder.