Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
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Hangxiety, also known as hangover anxiety, is a type of anxiety that occurs after consuming a lot of alcohol.
As your body and brain rebalance after getting drunk, you may experience a mini-withdrawal from alcohol. This temporarily affects your nervous system and, therefore, your mood.
Here are some of the symptoms of hangover anxiety:
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While hangxiety and anxiety may have similar symptoms, they’re two different conditions. The main difference between hangxiety and anxiety is the cause.
Hangxiety is a term used to describe the anxiety that can occur after a night of heavy drinking. It’s often accompanied by guilt and regret due to the actions taken while under the influence of alcohol.
On the other hand, anxiety is an ongoing mental health condition due to day-to-day triggers. Genetics, environment, and life experience can cause anxiety. It can cause fear, worry, and unease that can last for weeks or months.
Hangxiety, or hangover anxiety, is a phenomenon many experience after drinking alcohol. While it can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, it’s important to understand what causes hangxiety to manage it better.
Here are different factors that cause hangxiety:
The most common cause of hangxiety is the body’s reaction to alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down the central nervous system and can make people feel sluggish and tired.13
Drinking alcohol can lead to feelings of anxiety as the body tries to adjust to its normal state.
Alcohol also affects the brain’s neurotransmitters, which regulate mood and emotions.11 These include dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Consuming alcohol causes an imbalance in these neurotransmitters, leading to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Alcohol also stimulates the GABA neurotransmitter that slows down your brain.12 It can also block the glutamate neurotransmitter linked to anxiety.
When your brain blocks GABA and releases glutamate, you can go from feeling blissful to anxious.
Drinking can lead to guilt or regret for things said or done while under the influence. One study showed that 66.1% of participants engaged in regrettable social behaviors while drunk. This can lead to anxiety, as people worry about how others perceive their behavior.
Alcohol can also inhibit your ability to focus, make you feel disoriented, and affect your memory. You may have trouble remembering events, conversations, and actions. This can trigger paranoia, regret, and anxiety.
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose more fluids than it takes in. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause headaches, nausea, lightheartedness, and fatigue. Dehydration can also lead to anxiety as the body struggles to cope with the lack of fluids.
Alcohol can also lead to a drop in blood sugar levels. A drop in blood sugar can make you feel dizzy, confused, numb, shaky, and, ultimately, nervous.
Alcohol speeds up your heart rate, potentially causing heart palpitations. Heart palpitations are both a symptom and a source of anxiety for many people.
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It’s important to avoid drinking additional alcoholic beverages while you try to relieve hangover anxiety. Here are a few steps to help hangxiety:
Drinking too much can lead to a hangover, triggering anxiety and depression. Try to stick to one or two drinks per hour and avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help if physical pain triggers your anxiety. Remember that some medications like Aspirin and ibuprofen can increase acid release and irritate your stomach lining.
Dehydration plays a role in anxiety and mood swings. Make sure you drink plenty of water to rehydrate. Water and beverages with electrolytes are helpful. Avoid consuming alcoholic drinks while trying to rehydrate.
Sleep is absolutely crucial to repair your body. Getting a full night’s sleep is one of the best remedies for hangxiety.
Meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga can help with anxiety. They lower your heart rate, steady your breathing, and ease other anxiety symptoms.
Getting enough sleep is essential for preventing hangxiety. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per night to give your body time to recover from the effects of alcohol.
A wealth of research suggests that bathing has physical and mental health benefits.4
Essential oils help some people relax. They also help relieve sore muscles, aches, and pains.
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Hangover anxiety is a common problem that occurs after drinking. However, if you notice that your anxiety worsens or is affecting your daily life, it may be time to seek help.
Talking with a mental health professional can help you understand the underlying causes of your anxiety and develop strategies to manage it.
For instance, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that can be particularly helpful in treating hangover anxiety. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety.
You may also seek help for alcohol use disorder (AUD) if you find that your drinking is causing or worsening your anxiety. Common AUD treatments include:
Hangover anxiety refers to anxious feelings that can occur after drinking alcohol. It’s a common problem but can be managed with lifestyle changes.
If your anxiety worsens or affects your daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. Professional treatments for alcohol problems can also help you manage your anxiety.
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