Anxiety after drinking alcohol occurs because alcohol affects neurotransmitters, causing a rebound effect by reducing serotonin and increasing cortisol. To control it, hydrate, rest, avoid excessive consumption and practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
This phenomenon is not only related to the physical effects of a hangover, but also to how alcohol affects the brain, altering the levels of neurotransmitters such as GABA and glutamate. As the body processes alcohol, a feeling of restlessness, guilt, or excessive worry may arise, even for no apparent cause. In this PsychologyFor article, we will provide you with information about Why do I have anxiety after drinking alcohol and how to control it.
Alcoholic beverages have effects on the functioning of the central nervous system, since they act on the main neurotransmitters in the body. Thus, anxiety after drinking alcohol, known as hangxiety or anxiety hangover, occurs for several reasons related to the effects of the drink on the body and brain. Here we show you the main causes:
Neurotransmitter alteration: Alcohol initially increases levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that generates calm, and reduces glutamate, responsible for excitement. However, when metabolizing alcohol, these levels become unbalanced, causing nervousness and anxiety.
Overactivation of the nervous system: After a period of sedation from alcohol, the nervous system tries to compensate with hyperactivity, which can lead to a feeling of uneasiness or panic.
Impact on sleep quality: Although alcohol can make it easier for you to fall asleep, it interferes with the deep phases of sleep, leaving you tired and more likely to experience negative emotions.
Guilt or shame: generates a lack of control over impulses, giving rise to behaviors associated with anxiety. Disinhibited behavior under the influence of alcohol can lead to regret or worry about what was said or done the night before. In this article we explain how to overcome regret after a binge.
Dehydration and physical imbalance: Social pressures and stereotypes can encourage the consumption of these types of drinks, but alcohol dehydrates and alters blood sugar levels, which contributes to physical and emotional discomfort.
Understanding these causes is key to addressing and preventing anxiety after drinking, helping you enjoy yourself in a more conscious and healthy way.
How long does anxiety from drinking alcohol last?
Although there is no fixed and linear parameter regarding the duration of anxiety due to drinking alcohol, we can establish an average in different populations. Below we will mention some crucial differences:
In people who regularly consume alcohol, alcohol tolerance is usually high. In other words, those whose bodies are accustomed to this substance develop lower levels of anxiety.
Those people who engage in this practice spontaneously may experience anxiety symptoms in a shorter time. In general terms, physical and emotional discomfort can be noted for a few hours after consuming alcohol.
In summary, the duration of an anxiety state caused by alcohol usually ranges between 12 and 24 hours. However, factors such as the amounts of alcohol, the person’s age, the social context and any traumatic experiences they have had come into play here.
Sometimes the after effects of drinking alcohol can be harmful. This can have consequences in the management of social, family, work and academic relationships that develop within daily life. To combat the manifestations of anxiety. Next, we will develop the most effective methods:
Psychological therapy: The assistance of a mental health professional provides tools to cope with situations of stress and/or anxiety. On the one hand, short-term therapies emphasize the problems of the present that affect the patients they consult. The main objective is to establish a treatment plan in a limited period of sessions. After this period has ended, the professional communicates whether the predominant anxiety has been resolved. On the other hand, long-term therapies try to discover the origin of alcohol consumption by remembering childhood situations. Psychoanalysis is the most effective therapeutic approach.
Psychiatric medication: If these are people who can endanger the lives of others and their own, taking medications may be a viable option. However, these must be supervised by a specialized mental health professional.
Maintain a healthy diet: Regular consumption of water, fruits, vegetables and lean meats can help reduce symptoms.
Sleep hygiene: Having a good rest reduces cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress and anxiety.
Physical exercise: Practicing sports activities produces the release of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters responsible for happiness and pleasure.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do I have anxiety after drinking alcohol and how to control it we recommend that you enter our Clinical Psychology category.
References:
García Rosado, E., Pérez Nieto, MA (2005). Anger and anxiety in the withdrawal of rehabilitated alcoholics. Edupskyhé Magazine, 4 (2), 219-232.
Rivas Acuña, V., Rodríguez Hernández, CM, Arias Guzmán, MR, Carrillo Hernández, L., Zetina Contreras, E., González Jorge, R. (2016). Relationship between alcohol consumption and mental disorders in inhabitants of a rural population. Research and Science Magazine, 24 (67), 71-77.
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This article has been reviewed by our editorial team at PsychologyFor to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to evidence-based research. The content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.
