The dangers of mixing alcohol with an anxiety disorder are two-fold. First, there is the damage done to the body; the liver, heart, and brain, along with alcohol dependence. Second, alcohol can make anxiety worse or even create fear.
When we talk about anxiety disorder, it is different from regular anxiety over a test, a new social setting, a new job, etc. There are several types of anxiety disorders; these include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorders
- Phobias
- Social anxiety disorder
- Agoraphobia
Alcohol and anxiety
Alcohol is a depressant, and people will try to relieve their anxiety with it. While it may work at first, it does cause physical and mental health issues. Yes, it can make you feel less anxious in social settings, even make you feel like you can talk to someone you want to ask out, but at the same time, it can become a severe problem if you become addicted to alcohol.
The longer you use alcohol as a crutch, the more dependent you become; all the while, it is affecting your liver, brain, heart, and other vital organs of the body. It can cause you to be involved in an accident with severe injuries as well.
Another problem with alcohol when it comes to social anxieties is that it lowers your inhibitions, which can lead to unwanted pregnancy or other regretful results like a fight or putting a lampshade on your head.
How can alcohol make anxiety worse
Alcohol affects the chemicals and hormones, and other neurotransmitters in the brain, making you feel more nervous after the buzz wears off. You may become worried about what you did at the party, who you gave your phone number to, etc.
This alcohol-induced anxiety can last a few hours to a full day after you are done drinking. Because of the way alcohol affects serotonin levels and other chemicals in the brain, the anxiety can be extremely high.
With continued use of alcohol to self-medicate for anxiety, the more the brain levels change and become dependent on alcohol to feel the same feelings. Eventually, you will end up drinking more and more each day to hold or maintain a certain level of the chemicals your brain no longer makes on its own without alcohol. This will lead to depression as well as anxiety, making things even worse.
Getting help
If you are ready, you can get help with alcohol and anxiety with the right recovery center. Finding the right recovery center allows you to receive treatment for both at the same time. One recovery treatment center is 449 Recovery.
449 Recovery offers a monitored detox program, several therapies, and life skills you will need for a sober life. Our goal is to help you reach sobriety and maintain it by helping you build the tools you need to reduce the chance of relapse. Call us today (855) 435-7449 to learn more about the individual, group, and family therapy session, and other therapies that we offer.