As a depressant, alcohol inhibits the central nervous system by impacting numerous pathways and functions. As a result, an individual experiences cognitive impairment, slurred speech, and poor judgment. In addition, after drinking for a prolonged period, the brain may fail to regulate mood and emotions, leading to anxiety, irritability, and mood changes.
Excessive alcohol use affects a person’s ability to deal with stress effectively. On the same note, alcohol worsens anxiety. At first, alcohol can relieve stress and anxiety. However, with time, the body grows a tolerance to the depressing stress effect of alcohol. As time goes, you may need to consume more alcohol to experience the same impact. As a result of excessive drinking, you may become dependent on alcohol.
Alcohol can affect anxiety in the following ways:
Hangovers from alcohol can cause anxiety: After a night of drinking, many people experience a hangover. Effects of a hangover include nausea, headache, and rapid heartbeat, among others. A hangover can trigger an anxiety attack.
Alcohol affects your serotonin levels: At first, alcohol may boost your serotonin levels hence giving you a relaxed and euphoric feeling. But, ultimately, it decreases serotonin in the brain in the long run, making an individual more prone to depression and anxiety.
Alcohol impacts your sleep. Alcohol affects body functions, and you may end up having gastrointestinal disorders. With a lot of discomforts, it is impossible to have a quality sleep. Waking up after an inadequate sleep, you tend to be stressed out and anxious.
Withdrawal effects: Consuming alcohol for a long time makes you dependent on it. Once the body gets used to drinking, trying to stop becomes difficult. This can lead to anxiety or even make it worse.