Difficulty sleeping. Rapid breathing and increased heart rate. Having a sense of impending danger. Difficulty concentrating on anything other than the current worry. Even gastrointestinal issues. Symptoms of anxiety may be experienced by any of us at some point in time. However, when they become increasingly intense and persistent, it may be a sign that you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder. Making the situation worse is excessive alcohol consumption. Though it may be consumed in an effort to relieve anxiety or depression, drinking more than moderate amounts has been linked to increased levels of anxiety. Thankfully, there is hope for those who meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder and are experiencing anxiety.
The Link Between Alcohol and Anxiety
Many people look forward to a glass of wine or a beer after a long and stressful day. Unwinding with alcohol occasionally is not a problem, but it can become one if consumption becomes:
- Uncontrollable (i.e., drinking more than was intended)
- A replacement for previously enjoyable activities
- Hidden from friends or family
- Tolerated more easily
Once this line has been crossed, studies show, anxiety symptoms may begin. While many who struggle with alcohol use disorder claim the alcohol use reduces their anxiety, the opposite has been found to be true. In fact, evidence seems to suggest that excessive alcohol consumption may actually cause anxiety disorders. Drinking to excess and the subsequent hangover can be the source of anxiety rather than its cure. In fact, according to one study, one out of every three alcoholics has experienced episodes of intense depression or severe anxiety.
Additionally, people who suffer from high functioning anxiety will find drinking only worsens their symptoms over time. Drinking creates a dysfunctional cycle: it initially induces a feeling of calm as the depressant affects the brain. However, as the alcohol leaves the system, you begin to feel anxious or even depressed. These negative emotions create a desire to drink again, and the destructive pattern repeats itself.
How to Stop Anxiety after Drinking Alcohol
The good news is that there is an exit door to this cycle. True anxiety recovery is possible with the right tools. For those who acknowledge the link between alcohol consumption and anxiety, the first step may be seeking alcohol addiction treatment with trained, caring professionals. There are many options for treatment, from outpatient to intensive outpatient to residential to intensive inpatient.
Outpatient
Outpatient treatment involves regular office visits for counseling, medication support, or both. It can involve group therapy and even family counseling sessions. This option enables people to begin the road to recovery while still fulfilling daily commitments.
Intensive Outpatient
This option for alcohol rehab can include partial hospitalization and is particularly good for those who may want medically-assisted detox. Detoxing from alcohol use disorder can be difficult and even, in severe cases, potentially fatal due to delirium tremens, a condition that can be caused by alcohol withdrawal and includes seizures and hallucinations. Currently, the most commonly used medicines are benzodiazepines, used to wean the addicted person from alcohol and as a bridge to sobriety. We do not offer medically-supervised detox at ILC; however, we can make recommendations for a detox center.
Residential
For those seeking to understand how to stop anxiety after drinking alcohol, residential addiction treatment may be the best option. Here, patients are surrounded by around-the-clock care. They are never without support as they take the first important, but very difficult, step towards long-term sobriety. Luxury options can offer a spa-like atmosphere, where holistic treatment for alcoholism can include everything from talk therapy to nutritional support to equine therapy and beyond.Even stress and anxiety service dogs may be utilized to help patients on their path to recovery.
Intensive Inpatient
This combination of intensive outpatient and residential treatment is the strongest support system for those seeking a way out of alcohol use disorder. It involves medically-directed 24-hour services, and can include medically assisted withdrawal. It is intended for those who meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder, and is the most comprehensive treatment option.
Find Lasting Recovery in Nashville, TN
Understanding the link between alcohol consumption and anxiety is important for anyone on the path to healing and empowerment. If you are wondering how to stop anxiety after drinking alcohol, embrace the journey of addiction and anxiety recovery with courage, resilience, and self-compassion, and you can reclaim your sense of well-being and cultivate a life of greater balance, authenticity, and fulfillment.
If you’re ready to start recovering from alcohol use disorder or anxiety disorder–or a combination of the two–the Integrative Life Center in Nashville, TN, is here to meet you where you are. We offer both outpatient and residential holistic treatment programs. Your path to a better life starts here. Call us today at 615-378-8806. Download our addiction treatment guide for more information on our programs and options.
