Anxiety is something we all face from time to time, but for those with serious anxiety disorders, everyday life can be a constant struggle. This can cause people to seek relief through any means possible, and for some, this can lead to excessive alcohol consumption. Unfortunately, as we will discuss in this blog, the relationship between alcohol addiction and anxiety is a complex one, and while alcohol may provide some temporary respite from addiction symptoms, the long-term picture is rarely positive. Ultimately, anxiety and alcohol abuse often fuel each other, and when that happens, it can trap you in an inescapable cycle of harm.
“Normal” anxiety vs anxiety disorders
Before we can explore alcohol’s relationship with anxiety, it is first important to differentiate between “normal” anxiety that we all experience and anxiety disorders which are far more serious.
Normal anxiety is a part of the human experience. It is the body’s natural response to stress or a perceived threat. This type of anxiety can help us stay alert and focused, and it often occurs in situations like job interviews, public speaking or when facing important life decisions. Normal anxiety is typically temporary, proportional to the situation and subsides once the stressor is removed or resolved.
In contrast, anxiety disorders involve excessive, persistent and uncontrollable worry and fear about everyday situations. These mental health disorders can significantly interfere with daily life and well-being. Common anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and specific phobias. People with these conditions may experience symptoms like racing thoughts, restlessness, excessive sweating and trembling, all of which can be incredibly debilitating.
Alcohol consumption for anxiety reduction
Alcohol’s ability to temporarily reduce feelings of anxiety is one of the reasons people drink, especially in social situations. When consumed, alcohol affects the brain’s neurotransmitters, resulting in a sense of relaxation and reduced tension. This can help people feel more relaxed, outgoing and less inhibited in social settings.
These effects, often known as “liquid courage”, are particularly appealing to those who experience social anxiety, a common anxiety disorder which makes it hard to function in social situations. Alcohol can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of social anxiety, acting as a “social lubricant” that makes a party or night out more enjoyable.
For people with anxiety disorders, alcohol can become a form of self-medication, where drinking becomes a coping mechanism to manage symptoms. This may enable the person to function, at least initially, reinforcing the use of alcohol to get through everyday life.
How does alcohol soothe anxiety?
When faced with anxiety-inducing situations, the brain activates the body’s stress response, which includes the release of stress hormones like cortisol. However, this physiological response can heighten anxiety symptoms, which are designed to trigger a fight or flight reaction. Alcohol, as a central nervous system depressant, has a sedative effect that can counteract these stress responses. It slows down brain activity and creates a sense of relaxation and relief, which can seem like the perfect solution.
A short-term solution
Unfortunately, reliance on alcohol to soothe or self-medicate for anxiety can be a very slippery slope. Generally speaking, it can lead to excessive drinking, which can result in impaired judgement, risk-taking behaviour and the potential for negative social consequences.
‘Alcohol blues’ is another condition that some people experience after heavy drinking. It refers to the depressive and anxious feelings that can occur after the initial euphoria of alcohol wears off. This extends beyond the physical symptoms of a regular hangover, like headaches and nausea, with increased feelings of severe sadness and anxiety.
Alcohol’s impact on neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine plays a role in these mood changes. Excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt the brain’s delicate balance of these chemicals, leading to feelings of depression and heightened anxiety.
For those using alcohol to soothe anxiety, the relief is often all too fleeting and, in many cases, is followed by a rebound effect as the alcohol’s effects wear off, anxiety returns, sometimes even stronger than before. This rebound effect can be particularly distressing, leading to crippling symptoms and potentially even panic attacks, which then result in more alcohol consumption to cope with the distress. Over time, the person can find themselves trapped in alcohol abuse and anxiety, which can be incredibly hard to break free from.
The long-term consequences
Heavy, chronic alcohol use leads to an increased tolerance for alcohol, prompting the person to drink even more to achieve the desired calming effect. This can quickly lead to dependence, where the person experiences various withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is not present in the system. Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and is a sign that the body has begun to depend on alcohol to function “normally.”
Once you are physically dependent, alcohol addiction is often close behind, which brings its own set of anxiety symptoms, including guilt, shame and anticipatory anxiety about the next drink. This further reinforces the cycle and exposes the person to the various physical, mental and social impacts of alcohol abuse and addiction.
Physical health risks of alcohol addiction include, among others:
- Liver damage
- Heart problems
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Weakened immune system
- Obesity and related diseases
When alcoholism and anxiety disorders are present as co-occurring conditions, individuals are also at a higher risk of experiencing additional mental health challenges, such as depression or substance use disorders involving other drugs.
For example, someone with co-occurring alcohol use disorder and anxiety may experience depression due to the negative consequences of their drinking or the worsening of their anxiety symptoms. This can create a host of mental health issues, making daily life and potential recovery even more complex.
Breaking free from the cycle
Seeking professional help is often the most effective way to address these co-occurring issues. At Liberty House, for example, we provide individuals with the tools and strategies they need to manage anxiety while systematically addressing alcohol symptoms and causes. This involves a multi-stage process that includes:
- Alcohol detox: This is the process of safely withdrawing from alcohol with medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Therapy: Effective alcohol rehab utilises various forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy, individual and group therapy sessions and family therapy to help loved ones through the process.
- Medication: In some cases, medication may also be prescribed to manage anxiety symptoms or support recovery from alcoholism. Medications should always be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional to prevent any adverse effects.
- Holistic therapies: These are treatment forms like yoga, meditation and sound and art therapy. They complement traditional treatment methods, reduce anxiety and promote overall well-being.
- Relapse prevention: Effective alcohol help doesn’t end with treatment. Liberty House also provides aftercare and relapse prevention to help maintain progress and pave the way to lifelong recovery.
This comprehensive approach ensures that not only is alcohol addiction thoroughly treated, but co-occurring anxiety can be managed more effectively both during and after treatment.
Final thoughts
While alcohol addiction and anxiety are often two sides of the same coin, understanding their interconnected nature and seeking professional help when needed can prevent serious consequences. While seeking help can be daunting, admitting that you are struggling is a sign of strength. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or needs alcohol advice or treatment, Liberty House can help. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support to help you regain control of your life, learn to manage anxiety and achieve lasting recovery from alcohol addiction.
