Can Alcohol Help Anxiety? The TRUTH

Feeling anxious is something most of us have experienced at some point. For many, that tight chest and racing mind come and go, but for some, anxiety is a much larger, ongoing struggle. Anxiety disorders, like generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming.

When faced with these challenges, people often reach for something they think will take the edge off. For some, that "something" is alcohol. Drinking alcohol may feel like a quick fix to reduce stress, especially because its immediate effect on the central nervous system can help you relax.

But while alcohol consumption might seem like an effective way to quiet anxiety symptoms, there is more to the story. In this blog post, we will explore whether alcohol can actually help with anxiety.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is more than just worrying. It’s your body’s natural reaction to stress, but when it becomes overwhelming or constant, it can impact your mental health. Some of the most common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, which involves ongoing worry about daily life, and social anxiety disorder, which causes intense fear in social situations.

Anxiety symptoms can include trouble sleeping, irritability, racing thoughts, restlessness, or even physical signs like sweating and a rapid heartbeat. At its worst, anxiety may also lead to panic attacks, which are sudden episodes of intense fear or dread.

When anxiety is severe, it can interfere with relationships, work, and overall well-being. That’s why understanding what anxiety is and addressing it in a healthy way are so important. If left untreated, anxiety often requires you to make lifestyle changes or seek help from professionals to improve your quality of life.

Why Do People Use Alcohol to Cope with Anxiety?

When you’re feeling anxious, it’s tempting to turn to something that brings immediate relief, which is alcohol. Drinking alcohol provides a temporary sense of calm by depressing the central nervous system, slowing down brain activity, and relaxing the body. This process can make you feel less worried, at least for a short time. Alcohol also lowers inhibitions, which can feel comforting for those struggling with social anxiety disorder.

However, using alcohol to cope with anxiety symptoms can be a bigger risk. The effect of alcohol is short-lived, and what follows is often worse than what came before. Alcohol affects brain chemicals in a way that can increase anxiety once the initial effect wears off. Over time, this pattern can lead to alcohol abuse, deepening both your dependence on drinking and the anxiety you were trying to escape in the first place.

Can Alcohol Help Anxiety?

No, alcohol cannot help anxiety as it ultimately makes it worse. While alcohol may provide temporary relief, heavy drinking or regular alcohol use can lead to alcohol dependency or even alcohol use disorder, making anxiety harder to manage.

Though the initial effects of alcohol consumption may calm you, the long-term effects are harmful. Drinking alcohol disrupts the natural balance of chemicals in your brain that regulate mood, leading to increased anxiety after the effects wear off.  It could even lead to what is referred to as "alcohol rebound anxiety."

Alcohol also has physical consequences. Over time, heavy drinking can lead to symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as shaking, nausea, irritability, or even severe panic attacks. These symptoms create a cycle as you may reach for another drink to ease those withdrawal feelings. This could further reinforce alcohol dependency.

The long-term impact extends beyond mental health, affecting relationships, physical health, and overall well-being. If alcohol use has become a coping mechanism for you, it’s important to find healthier methods of managing anxiety.

Best Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Anaheim, CA

While turning to alcohol might seem like an easy way to reduce stress in the moment, the long-term consequences of alcohol consumption often worsen anxiety. It could also lead to other serious issues like alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependency.

If you’re struggling with anxiety symptoms, there are better, healthier strategies to help you. Talking with a mental health professional, exercising, or exploring stress-management techniques can provide real and lasting relief.

If you're struggling with anxiety and alcohol abuse, getting help is the first step toward recovery. At Anaheim Lighthouse Treatment Center in Anaheim, CA, we offer dual diagnosis programs to treat both anxiety and alcohol use disorder. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options.