You might wonder what alcohol and anxiety could possibly have to do with one another. Maybe you drink to escape your worries, and you don’t see what the big deal is. While many people may believe that drinking is a suitable way to deal with stress, alcohol can worsen anxiety, especially for those with anxiety disorders. Fortunately, acquiring better coping skills can be helpful in handling stress.

The Connection Between Alcohol and Anxiety

Everyone has to deal with anxiety at some point. You may feel mild anxiety due to an upcoming job interview. Perhaps you’re facing major stress while dealing with a sick family member.

Many people have a glass of wine or beer to help them unwind. Alcohol has sedative effects that make you feel more relaxed. In moderation, this usually presents no problems.

Someone with an anxiety disorder, however, may be more prone to alcohol abuse to deal with stress. As they continue drinking, however, it increases their anxiety. Once the calming effects wear off, a person may feel more stressed than before.

A study by the UNC School of Medicine shows that heavy alcohol use actually rewires brain circuitry. People who are dependent on alcohol find it much harder to handle anxiety and stress on a psychological level. However, just because brain chemistry changes doesn’t mean you can’t change.

Why Alcohol Doesn’t Help

You might think that drinking helps your anxiety. After all, once you start, you feel more relaxed. But as you continue, particularly if you consume increasing amounts of alcohol, you’ll begin to suffer problems that make your anxiety much worse. This includes work and relationship problems that stem from your alcohol abuse.

If you already have an anxiety disorder, drinking too much can make you feel worse by causing severe symptoms. Some signs of alcohol-induced anxiety include:

Panic attacks
Obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors
Problems focusing
Feelings of powerlessness
Tremors and weakness
Dizziness
Heart palpitations

If you have a co-occurring disorder, then getting dual diagnosis treatment is key for helping you break that negative connection between alcohol and anxiety.

Start Your Recovery

Ashley Addiction Treatment is ready to help you overcome problems with alcohol and anxiety. Whether it’s alcohol or other drugs you’re dealing with, our facility provides the innovative care you need to successfully overcome your addiction. We give you the tools and support you need to experience complete healing of your mind, body, and spirit.

We offer:

Unlike other addiction treatment programs, we also offer on-site medical care, which includes drug or alcohol detox before transitioning into a higher level of care.

Alcohol and anxiety don’t have to control your life anymore. When you’re ready to begin recovery, Ashley Addiction Treatment will get you started on the path to a positive future. Call us today at 866-313-6307 to learn more about our substance abuse programs.