What are the links between alcohol and anxiety?
People with anxiety disorders may use alcohol as a coping mechanism, which could lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Similarly, those with AUD may have a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders.
Research suggests there may be a bidirectional connection between anxiety disorders and AUD. People with AUD may have a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety.
Those with anxiety may also turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. However, it can be easy for one drink to turn into more and lead to a growing dependence on alcohol.
This article explains the links between alcohol and anxiety and how to manage anxiety disorders and AUD in daily life. Can alcohol cause anxiety?
Ali Roshanzamir//EyeEm/Getty Images Research in a 2019 articlesuggests that up to 50% of people having treatment for AUD also meet the criteria for at least one anxiety disorder. A 2022 longitudinal study highlights a bidirectional relationship between AUD and anxiety disorders.
The authors suggest someone with AUD has a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder and vice versa. People with severe anxiety disorders may be especially at risk of developing AUD.
According to a 2019 paper, the following anxiety disorders show the strongest association with AUD: generalized anxiety disorder social anxiety panic disorder The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)suggests AUD and psychiatric conditions such as anxiety disorders share genetic and environmental risk factors. This may explain the link between them.
In many cases, it is unclear whether alcohol causes anxiety or if anxiety makes a person more likely to drink alcohol. According to some animal research, those who drink alcohol in their youth may be more proneto anxiety in adulthood, which might suggest a causal relationship.
Can alcohol make anxiety worse? Researchers in a 2017 studymeasured anxiety clinically and found that anxiety levels were higher in those with AUD than those without when they faced stress.
According to the NIAAA, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders are commonamong those with AUD. AUD and psychiatric conditions may exacerbate each other, so it is possible for alcohol to worsen anxiety.
People with AUD may alsoexperience alcohol withdrawal, which can involve physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat , nausea , and shaking. According to a 2017 reviewof 63 studies, reducing alcohol intake led to improvements in both depression and anxiety.
The review authors reported that reducing alcohol intake could improve a person’s self-confidence, physical and mental quality of life, and social functioning. Can alcohol help with anxiety?
Initially, drinking alcohol may help someone to relax. It can make social situations and problems seem less daunting.
The initial effects of alcohol may include : reduced anxiety lower inhibitions exaggerated mood feeling sociable However, these positive feelings may change as a person drinks more. Increased levels of alcohol may lead to: extreme changes in mood increased risk-taking aggression blurry vision lack of coordination slurred speech Learn how alcohol affects health.
Long-term risks The long-term risks of alcohol may include : liver and pancreas damage certain cancers brain damage heart disease respiratory and other infections impotence and infertility stroke hypertension , which refers to high blood pressure mental health conditions, such as depression People need to speak with a doctor if they are experiencing the above effects due to alcohol.
Treatment
options for anxiety
Lifestyle changes that people can implement to relieve anxiety include the following : getting enough sleep exercising regularly reducing caffeine intake practicing relaxation techniques, such as: meditation yoga massage joining a ## support group eating a balanced diet For some people, a doctor may prescribe medications such as: antidepressants , such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) anxiety medication , such as benzodiazepines beta-blockers People may also benefit from counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CB
T) or interpersonal therapy.
Treatment
options for alcohol use disorder
Treatment
for AUD aims to help a person reduce or completely cut out alcohol. Treatment may include medications such as: acamprosate (Campral) naltrexone (Vivitrol, Revia, and Naltrel) disulfiram (Antabuse) A doctor may also suggest additional treatment options, such as counseling or joining a support group. Nowadays, the internet can also offer tools for keeping track of drinking habits, setting goals, and providing relapse-prevention techniques. Mobile applications, such as the Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support
System, are also available.
When to speak with a doctor
The Anxiety and
Depression Association of America recommends consulting a doctor if anyone experiences the following symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder: feeling nervous or irritable a sense of imminent danger or panic increased heart rate hyperventilating , sweating, or shaking fatigue difficulty sleeping being unable to concentrate Signs and symptoms of AUD include: experiencing a strong urge, or need, to drink blackouts drinking more to experience the desired effect alcohol interfering with work or home life skipping activities that were enjoyable before in order to drink being in dangerous situations under the influence of alcohol experiencing withdrawal symptoms , such as trembling or hallucinations A doctor can diagnose anxiety disorders and A
U
D and create a treatment plan to relieve a person’s symptoms.
Outlook
People can usually manage all types of anxiety by using a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and therapy rather than alcohol. The outlook for those who have AUD may be more complicated.
AUD is a chronic condition that includes a variety of effects on the mind and body. Treatment effectiveness may also be difficult to document due to relapses and treatment challenges.
According to the Alcoholics Anonymous 2022 membership survey, 23% of over 6,000 members were sober for less than 1 year, and 28% were sober for over 20 years.
If a person has concerns about alcohol use or anxiety, they can speak with a doctor to find out the best ways to solve these issues.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to common questions about alcohol and anxiety. Can alcohol trigger panic attacks?
According to a 2019 paper, panic disorder has a strong association with AUD. People with AUD may have a higher risk of developing panic disorder, which can cause unexpected, recurringpanic attacks.
How many people drink alcohol as a coping mechanism? A 2018 narrative reviewsuggests that 21.9% to 24.1% of people with an anxiety disorder or mood disorder use alcohol or drugs to relieve their symptoms.
People can speak with a healthcare professional for help managing anxiety or mood disorder symptoms. Can alcohol cause anxiety for days?
A person may experienceanxiety during a hangover. Hangover duration and severity may depend on the amount of alcohol a person drinks.
However, anxiety for several days may also indicate someone has an anxiety disorder.
Summary
Anxiety disorders are a potential comorbidity of alcohol use disorder (AUD). People with AUD may have a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
Similarly, people with severe anxiety disorders may be more likely to develop AUD, particularly if they use alcohol as a coping mechanism. People can speak with a doctor if they experience AUD and anxiety.
Cutting out alcohol may help improve anxiety symptoms. Some individuals may benefit from treatments such as medication or counseling.
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