Why Does Alcohol Cause Panic Attacks?

I’ve spent the last seven years researching and understanding alcoholism, addiction, and how people get sober. Additionally, I examine the way mental and physical health as well as our relationships with others impact the reasons people drink and their role in maintaining sobriety long-term. If you suffer from panic attacks after episodes of heavy drinking, there are a few steps you’ll want to take.

• But when those feelings stick around too long or feel way bigger than the situation calls for, it can become overwhelming.
• Recognizing the symptoms and understanding that they are the result of alcohol use and withdrawal can provide some sense of assurance that the symptoms will wear off after a few hours.

Why Does Alcohol Cause Panic Attacks?

This symptom is more pronounced during withdrawal or in individuals with a history of anxiety disorders. This disorder occurs when alcohol consumption causes or exacerbates anxiety, either during intoxication, immediately after drinking, or during withdrawal. It falls under the broader category alcoholism symptoms of substance-induced anxiety disorders, where substance use directly leads to anxiety symptoms.

How Anxiety and Alcohol Feed into Each Other

For many people, those effects don’t happen until the following day, which is why some people will experience a panic attack from alcohol the day after drinking. Your brain relies heavily on proper hydration to function optimally. When you’re dehydrated, the brain may not receive enough water to maintain its normal functions. This can affect neurotransmitter production and balance, including serotonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood.

Better ways to treat and manage panic attacks

Research notes that changes in chemical levels such as serotonin can cause anxiety disorders and depression. Buspirone is often prescribed for long-term management of alcohol-induced anxiety disorder. It is typically taken twice daily, with dosage adjustments based on the patient’s response. Lorazepam is typically prescribed for acute anxiety or panic alcohol and anxiety attacks related to alcohol use.

Encoding study reveals how the brain uses past experiences to predict the unfolding of similar events over time

Alcohol use can cause new onset anxiety and worsen pre-existing anxiety symptoms. Many individuals will use alcohol as an unhealthy coping tool to reduce symptoms of anxiety. When you experience alcohol-induced panic attacks, this cycle can become even more frightening and potentially result in a long-term panic disorder. Alcohol doesn’t directly cause panic attacks, in the sense that those with panic disorder suffer from panic attacks with or without alcohol.

• It may take several weeks for the full effects to become noticeable.
• Among these symptoms, panic attacks can be a distressing and alarming experience for individuals going through alcohol withdrawal.
• By understanding the relationship between alcohol and panic attacks, individuals can make informed decisions about their alcohol consumption and seek appropriate support and treatment if needed.

Euphoria is not your brain’s natural state, so it’s going to try to readjust. If you get too excited or, conversely, a little down, all your brain wants to do is return it to the baseline. In response, it will produce the necessary chemicals to get you there. Harper volunteered for a five-year term on her medical school’s admission committee, has given numerous presentations, and has taught medical students and residents. She is passionate about volunteering for the state medical board’s medical disciplinary commission, on which she has served since 2015.

Alcohol and Mood Swings: Understanding The Connection

Signs that it’s time to reach out include constant worry, physical symptoms like chest tightness, or avoiding situations due to fear. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, mindfulness, and better sleep can significantly reduce anxiety, especially if symptoms are mild. Small adjustments, such as limiting caffeine and creating a calming bedtime routine, can also help. Not getting enough sleep can worsen anxiety, and anxiety can make it harder to sleep. It’s a vicious cycle, but creating a calming bedtime routine can help you unwind and set you up for a good night’s rest.

If it feels too heavy to manage on your own, reaching out to a mental health professional can provide the support you need. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety and alcohol use, First City Recovery is here to help. Our comprehensive treatment programs address both substance use and mental health issues, providing a supportive environment for healing.

Description of Alcohol-Induced Anxiety Disorder

When you suffer from panic attacks and anxiety, it implies that your natural ability to cope with stress is suffering. You need to rebuild that coping ability in order to cure your panic attacks. Getting a bad night of sleep due to heavy drinking is therefore a double whammy. Your brain chemistry is in the tank after a night of artificial dopamine spikes and now you’re sleep deprived as well.

They can also occur in individuals with panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurring panic attacks and the persistent fear of having future attacks. For example, it acts as a depressant on the central nervous system, leading to feelings of relaxation and fewer inhibitions for most people. However, drinking too much alcohol can lead to feelings of nausea, dizziness, lack of coordination, and other distressing symptoms that can be anxiety-inducing. Many people also experience anxiety the day after drinking if they can’t remember what occurred the night before, or only remember embarrassing moments.