Local Rehab Educates on Alcohol and Anxiety

Lexington, KY - SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky recently published a blog post that discussed the connection between alcohol use and anxiety. While some people who are managing an alcohol use disorder might feel like alcohol is a “magical cure” for their anxiety symptoms, those feelings don’t always last more than a few hours. The more someone drinks, the more feelings of anxiety they might have going forward. Alcohol can alter a person’s moods and behaviors as well as other organs, such as their liver and kidneys. Alcohol can also dehydrate a person, resulting in side effects such as headaches and anxiety.

“These unpleasant side effects usually wear off after you’ve rehydrated, eaten something nutritious, and had a nap. Unfortunately, for people who consume alcohol regularly, these side effects increase in frequency and severity. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down the entire nervous system. This inevitably has an impact on the way our brains function and manage stress,” the blog post states.

If someone has an anxiety disorder, alcohol can ultimately make it worse. It can also create a vitamin deficiency, such as vitamin B and magnesium. Alcohol can also make it challenging to keep up with school, work, and relationships, which can result in feelings of fear for the future. It can also worsen sleep or cause daytime sleepiness. This sleep disruption can result in worsening symptoms of anxiety. Also, if someone has an anxiety disorder alongside an alcohol use disorder, alcohol can result in anxiety medication not being able to work correctly anymore.

Alcohol impacts the brain both long-term and short-term. One experience with heavy drinking will probably not result in long-term concerns, but over time, it can be more challenging to reverse years of heavy alcohol use. Memory is one of the things that can be impacted by heavy alcohol use. In the short-term, this might result in not remembering the events from the night before, but as an alcohol use disorder progresses, more long-term memory loss may occur. The loss of memories may create feelings of anxiety.

Some people experience what is known as “hangxiety,” which is not a medical term but is used to explain feelings of intense anxiety the day after a night of heavy drinking. They will experience feelings of a “hangover,” which may include headaches and dehydration, but they might also experience intense anxiety that can lead to panic attacks or suicidal thinking. Often, these feelings will not go away until proper sleep, hydration, and proper nutrition are achieved. Guilt and shame can also contribute to feelings of hangxiety the next morning.

“If you or someone you love is having a hard time controlling how much alcohol they drink (or how often they drink), it might be time to seek treatment. One thing’s for sure: alcohol and anxiety don’t mix. It’s easy to think that alcohol is easing your anxiety, but in reality, it’s making it worse,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves unmet needs in the community. They offer intensive outpatient services in the Lexington area. They also offer 24/7 crisis care that allows people to get treatment at any time of the day. No-cost care assessments are available with telehealth options, allowing potential patients to meet with a representative to develop a care plan tailored to their needs.

For more information about SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky, visit their website or call them at 859-429-5188.