Anxiety and Alcohol: A Dangerous Pairing
Learn about how anxiety disorders and alcohol abuse can fuel each other.
Every human being alive is familiar with the unpleasant experience of anxiety. Most of us feel some level of anxiety on a daily basis. Some situations are more stressful than others, but generally we are able to continue functioning in spite of this anxiety.
Many people find that a drink of alcohol “calms the nerves” in stressful situations. It might not seem like a big deal, and for many it is not, but for those who suffer from an anxiety disorder, the combination of anxiety and alcohol can lead down a dangerous path and towards necessary alcohol rehab programs.
Co-occurring Anxiety and Alcohol Disorders
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, more than 40 million Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder. While all of us naturally experience some level of anxiety throughout our lives, those who have an anxiety disorder experience the symptoms of anxiety to the extent that they may no longer be able to function in normal life circumstances. The symptoms of an anxiety disorder will vary depending on the individual and the specific type of anxiety disorder, but they may include:
- Constant feelings of nervousness
- Powerlessness
- Sense of imminent danger
- Increased heart and respiration rate
- Sweating or tremors
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
For those who suffer from these symptoms, alcohol may present itself as a solution. Alcohol is known to reduce stress and inhibit impulse control, thereby temporarily alleviating the feeling of anxiety. However, this relief is temporary and fails to address the source of the stress. Alcohol consumption actually serves to reinforce anxiety in the long term.
For example, a person with an anxiety disorder may be overwhelmed by a difficult financial situation to the point that they feel incapacitated. Consuming alcohol may temporarily reduce anxiety, but, once sober again, the financial problems are still there. Since the individual was unable to initially address the problem, this anxiety increases. Building anxiety in this way can be harmful and will likely result in a repetitive cycle.
Co-Occurring Substance Abuse Disorders
Those who struggle with a mental disorder, such as anxiety, are twice as likely as the rest of the population to suffer from a co-occurring substance abuse disorder. When this occurs, it is called comorbidity. Each illness is likely to complicate and exacerbate the other, leading to a dangerous and ever worsening cycle.
The complicated relationship of anxiety and alcohol is an important thing to keep in mind. If you have a loved one who shows the symptoms of an anxiety disorder, then you should encourage him or her to seek a psychological assessment. If you have concerns about the drinking habits of this person, then you should seek help from a professional alcohol rehab programs, such as those at RCA. You can reach out to us any time by calling 1-800-RECOVERY and find out what steps you should take next from our 24/7 care consultants.
