At a Glance
Drinking might lessen anxiety, but not for long.
That might explain why anxiety disorders and alcohol use disorders often occur together.
Long-term recovery can hinge on getting a handle on your anxiety and your alcohol use.
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Alcohol’s Effects
Alcohol depresses thecentral nervous system(CNS).
When someone first has a drink of alcohol, it often has a sedative effect.
Alcohol can produce a sense of euphoria and decrease a person’s inhibition.
These effects can make it seem like drinking alcohol is providing the person with relief from their anxiety.
However, the long-term effects of alcohol can cause anxiety or make the symptoms of an anxiety disorder worse.
This theory suggests that alcohol is used as aself-medicating methodto reduce stress and anxiety.
While this approach can relieve some symptoms, these aren’t doctor-recommended or prescribed methods.
In many cases, self-medicating leads to other problems, including worsening symptoms and substance use problems.
Genetics
Other researchers have proposed agenetic linkinfluencing a persons anxiety level and alcohol consumption.
Even simply thinking about attending the gathering might cause themanticipatory anxiety.
They might also consume alcohol at the gathering to feel more relaxed or less inhibited around others.
While alcohol might feel like a solution in the short term, this drinking behavior comes with many problems.
This can end up making their anxiety worse.
For example, a person might have started feeling more relaxed after just one glass of wine.
Researchers are not sure what the connection means.
The initial symptoms of anxiety and panic may be related toalcohol withdrawal.
It could also be that alcohol use provides a mechanism for these disorders to develop.
For one, drinking alcohol more frequently or having larger amounts can causehangovers.
Heavy or regular alcohol misuse also often leads to withdrawal.
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and anxiety disorders can be similar.
How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers specific definitions for “heavy drinking.
If you have an anxiety disorder, alcohol misuse and withdrawal can make your symptoms worse.
If you suspect that you have an alcohol use problem, effective treatments are available.
Talk to your doctor aboutmedications,therapy, andsupport groupsthat can help you manage your alcohol consumption.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
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