This means that you will need to drink larger amounts of alcohol on a more frequent basis in order to experience the same effects, increasing the risk of developing a physical or psychological addiction. However, evidence shows that there is a direct link between alcohol and panic attacks. When we reach for alcohol in an effort to calm the symptoms of anxiety and panic, we can become trapped in a vicious cycle that may eventually lead to a physical or psychological addiction. Every time you drink, alcohol triggers an increase in the production of insulin. This increase can lead to a drop in your blood sugar (glucose) levels, and when this is too low it is known as hypoglycaemia. The symptoms of low blood glucose include trembling, an elevated heart rate, and feeling anxious or in a low mood.

Behavioral Signs of Alcohol-Related Anxiety

The fact that all these does alcohol trigger panic attacks physiological changes can cause symptoms so similar to those of a panic attack can trick your brain into having a real one. The two often create a cycle that’s hard to break, whereby the onset of one is a trigger for the other. Jake, for instance, unearthed a belief that “If I feel sick in public, everyone will think I’m weak,” which fueled his physical symptoms. Panic attack symptoms can also resemble symptoms of other serious health problems, such as a heart attack, so it’s important to get evaluated by your primary care provider if you aren’t sure what’s causing your symptoms. If this sounds impossible and you can’t stop turning to alcohol to manage your anxiety, an inpatient rehab treatment facility might be your best option. As you will see from the cycle above, anxiety and alcohol function together.

A primer on anxiety disorders

These effects can make it seem like drinking alcohol is providing the person with relief from their anxiety. Although alcohol-related panic attacks can cause major distress, there are steps you can take to prevent them. It’s essential to keep these tips in mind so you can avoid complications you may have otherwise encountered. Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers. We may be paid a fee for marketing or advertising by organizations that can assist with treating people with substance use disorders. Yes, alcohol can contribute to mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder by disrupting neurotransmitter balance and exacerbating symptoms over time.

Can Drinking Alcohol Cause Anxiety? Understanding Alcohol and Anxiety Attacks

One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you’ll have another one. You may fear having panic attacks so much that you avoid certain situations where they may occur. Research in a 2019 article suggests that up to 50% of people having treatment for AUD also meet the criteria for at least one anxiety disorder. Research suggests there may be a bidirectional connection between anxiety disorders and AUD. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, like meditation or deep breathing exercises for anxiety, are effective ways to manage and reduce symptoms. Regular practice can help you create and remain in a calm state of mind.

How does Talkiatry compare to face-to-face treatment?

• When prescribed by a doctor, medication can also help manage symptoms effectively.
• The information in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
• It slows down processes in your brain and central nervous system, and can initially make you feel less inhibited.10,11  In the short-term, you might feel more relaxed – but these effects wear off quickly.
• Your psychiatrist will meet with you virtually on a schedule you set together, devise a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and preferences, and work with you to adjust your plan as you meet your goals.
• A 2018 narrative review suggests that 21.9% to 24.1% of people with an anxiety disorder or mood disorder use alcohol or drugs to relieve their symptoms.
• The results are a full-blown panic attack, which can be very frightening.

Alprazolam is one of the most widely prescribed benzodiazepines for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Clinical research data has not fully shed light on its “abuse liability,” yet it is one of the most frequently prescribed benzodiazepines. “Abuse liability” is the degree to which a psychoactive drug has properties that facilitate people misusing it, or becoming addicted to it, and is commonly used in the literature. We have replaced it in our manuscript with “misuse liability” as it reflects a more updated terminology consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Alcohol and Anxiety − Final Considerations

You may have occasional panic attacks, or they may occur frequently. Although panic attacks themselves aren’t life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life. Often when drinkers experience panic attacks, they drink more to combat the fear. However, regular panic attacks induced by alcohol are a serious matter that can lead to addiction.