Hangovers and Panic Attacks: Understanding the Link and Finding Relief
For many individuals, a hangover extends beyond just a headache and nausea; it can also induce feelings of anxiety and fear, sometimes culminating in what is known as a panic attack hangover. This uncomfortable and unsettling experience occurs when the physical and emotional effects of drinking on the brain trigger intense anxiety symptoms.
These effects can particularly happen in those with anxiety or panic disorder due to their already fragile brain chemistry. Panic attacks from alcohol consumption can also be a result of alcohol withdrawal.
It is crucial for anyone who frequently suffers from panic attacks after drinking to assess their relationship with alcohol and seek professional help if they find it difficult to stop drinking, even when facing negative health effects.
How Can a Hangover Trigger Panic Attacks?
Several factors can cause a hangover to trigger a panic attack. One of the main reasons is that alcohol interferes with brain chemistry, particularly affecting the GABA and glutamate systems, which are the brain’s primary inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters, respectively.
While small amounts of alcohol can enhance GABA activity and promote relaxation, excessive drinking can deplete GABA levels, leading to increased tension and panic, as noted by Drinkaware. This alteration in neurotransmitter function can result in heightened anxiety, overstimulation, and even panic attacks.
Moreover, hangover symptoms such as dehydration, fatigue, and headaches can intensify feelings of anxiety, making individuals more attuned to their environment. The physical discomfort associated with a hangover can resemble the sensations of a panic attack, further amplifying anxiety.
Additionally, alcohol consumption can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels, which may cause symptoms like weakness, shakiness, or irritability—similar to those experienced during a panic attack, including dizziness and confusion.
A racing heart is a common symptom shared by both panic attacks and hangovers. The physical experience of a rapid heartbeat or chest tightness can easily trigger panic, especially in those who are already prone to anxiety.
Furthermore, while alcohol may initially help with falling asleep, it ultimately results in poor sleep quality, leading to irritability, mood swings, and increased anxiety. Lack of sleep can exacerbate anxiety symptoms and heighten the likelihood of panic attacks.
After a night of drinking, some individuals may encounter “hangover anxiety” or “hangxiety,” characterized by an intensified sense of unease or dread. This feeling can stem from concerns about the repercussions of drinking, such as regret or embarrassment or the fear of not feeling well, which can provoke a panic attack.
During a hangover, the body may also become more sensitive to stimulants like caffeine. Consuming coffee or energy drinks to combat fatigue can sometimes escalate anxiety levels and trigger a panic attack.
People with a history of anxiety or panic disorders may be more susceptible to alcohol-induced panic attacks. Heavy or frequent drinking not only increases the likelihood of developing hangxiety and panic attacks but can also lead to alcohol dependence.
Those with alcohol dependence may develop withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, which can trigger anxiety and panic attacks as the body attempts to detoxify and begin repairing the liver after alcohol abuse.
Why Are People With Anxiety More Likely to Experience Panic Attacks After Drinking?
Individuals with pre-existing anxiety are at a higher risk of experiencing panic attacks after consuming alcohol because their brains and bodies are already in a heightened state of alertness and sensitivity. The primary reason for this increased likelihood is the existing imbalance of neurotransmitters or irregularities in the brain areas that manage fear and emotional regulation.
Alcohol can disrupt these systems, worsening the pre-existing imbalance. As a depressant, alcohol may initially soothe the nervous system, but it can lead to a rebound effect once it is metabolized. For those with anxiety, this shift in neurotransmitter activity can result in significant mood swings, heightening the chances of a panic attack.
Conversely, individuals without anxiety who generally maintain a more stable neurotransmitter balance and have better emotional responses may still feel the effects of alcohol on their brain chemistry, but the rebound effects are less likely to trigger severe emotional disturbances. They might experience mild discomfort or a hangover, but their brain and body are more capable of managing these effects without leading to a panic attack.
Moreover, they may be more vulnerable to hangover symptoms such as dehydration, low blood sugar, and increased heart rate compared to those without anxiety. Alcohol can exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety, prompting some individuals to drink more alcohol to cope with anxiety symptoms, which can ultimately lead to alcohol use disorders (AUD).
Research from Alcohol Research Current Reviews indicates that the co-occurrence of anxiety disorders and AUDs is relatively common and presents a complex clinical picture, necessitating specialized treatment strategies to address the unique needs of individuals facing both conditions.
Can Dehydration From a Hangover Cause Anxiety?
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose fluids through increased urination, which can lead to dehydration without adequate fluid intake. This effect is more pronounced in high alcohol consumption.
The research highlighted by MedicalNewsToday indicates a link between dehydration and heightened anxiety levels. One theory suggests that dehydration may elevate cortisol, a stress hormone, in the body. Additionally, it can increase certain neurotransmitters, like glutamate, that are involved in mood regulation.
The symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness, headaches, and weakness, can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, particularly in individuals already experiencing discomfort from a hangover.
Furthermore, dehydration can lead to the loss of vital electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium, crucial for proper nerve and muscle function. An imbalance in these electrolytes can result in irritability, confusion, and anxiety-like sensations.
How Can You Tell the Difference Between a Hangover and a Panic Attack?
Distinguishing between a hangover and a panic attack can be tricky because some of the symptoms overlap, but there are key differences to help you tell them apart. A hangover is the result of drinking alcohol, and its symptoms typically appear in the morning after heavy drinking.
It’s caused by dehydration, low blood sugar, toxins from alcohol, and disruption in sleep. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and sensitivity to light or sounds.
People with hangovers can feel irritable and may have some anxiety symptoms and feelings of dread from the rebound effects of alcohol and their actions from the night before. Symptoms of a hangover usually begin within a few hours after drinking and can last for up to 24 hours or more, depending on the amount of alcohol consumed.
Conversely, a panic attack is triggered by stress, anxiety, or sometimes no apparent reason at all. A panic attack can sometimes be triggered by alcohol consumption but can also occur unexpectedly.
Symptoms include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, and feelings of losing control. Panic attacks come on suddenly, and symptoms usually peak within 10 minutes, lasting several minutes. In general, while a hangover may leave you feeling unwell, a panic attack tends to be much more intense and distressing.
Get Help Coping With Panic Attack Hangovers at WhiteSands Treatment
If you’re facing the challenges of panic attack hangovers, know that you’re not alone. The effects of alcohol withdrawal combined with increased anxiety can lead to intense feelings that may feel unmanageable. Regularly experiencing hangovers accompanied by anxiety or panic attacks could be a sign of an alcohol use disorder.
At WhiteSands Treatment, we recognize how crippling these symptoms can be and are ready to assist you. Our tailored treatment programs focus on the underlying causes of anxiety and alcohol misuse, addressing both the physical and emotional dimensions of your situation.
Take the first step towards recovery by contacting WhiteSands Treatment Center today at 877-855-3470 to discover how we can help you regain control and embark on your path to lasting healing.
External Sources
- Drinkaware – Alcohol and anxiety
- Alcohol Research Current Reviews – Anxiety and Alcohol Use Disorders
- MedicalNewsToday – Can dehydration make someone feel anxious?
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
